Psalm 138:8

Welcome to week one of getting God’s word into our mind, heart, and our lives.

I AM SO STINKING EXCITED for today! For the last couple of weeks, between Christmas, a short trip out of town over the weekend, and New Years I have been working on 52 in 2020. I have been researching Bible verses—a great Big THANK YOU to all who gave me your favorite verse(s), taking pictures and creating images for you to use as a memory tool, and working on lining up guest bloggers to share about their favorite verse(s).

In the process the Lord helped solidify the theme verse for the year which is Psalm 138:8 ESV “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” When I came across this verse in early December, I immediately knew that it was going to be important to me. Then I started researching the verse and discovered that King David was the author even though it was not clear when or where he wrote this Psalm. It is very clear, however, that it came after a time in David’s life when he had experienced trouble from his enemies. Verse 7 says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Been there yourself? Are you currently experiencing a time of trouble? Have you just come out of a trial in your life? If so, you too can relate to David when He declares “that the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” I love that bold declaration that says–I have no doubt, I trust in Him, I believe that God will complete the work that He began in me.

Do you need to sit for just a little bit and let that good word penetrate your heart and mind? I know I did.

The LORD will . . . I am so grateful that He 100% WILL fulfill HIS purpose for us. Did you catch the emphasis on WILL and HIS?

Y’all–I have no doubt that He will fulfill His purpose in us and because of that beautiful promise we can praise Him for His love for us. This is what David was doing in this Psalm. He was taking the time to praise God for his protection, his provision, his faithfulness, and his love. He was sharing the good news how God had worked in His life and at the same time declaring the promises of the Lord for us.

AND THEN . . . David says to the Lord “do not forsake the work of your hands.” The meaning of forsake is to abandon or to withdraw. David is asking the Lord to continue the work in his life. He acknowledges that God is the one who completes His work in us, that we are dependent on God to finish His work.

That’s exactly where we are going to camp out this year–in the full knowledge that God is in the process of fulfilling His purpose in each of our lives and that we can be confident that He will not leave any work incomplete. He will not abandon or leave us—ever!

That is a verse worth remembering!

There are many techniques to memorization and over the next few weeks, I will be adding some “helps” or “tips” on how to best memorize a verse. You can spend hours researching this topic, but my best advice is simply–repetition. Say it, cover it, and say it again. You can also practice writing it, covering it and then speak it. Take turns “testing” yourself with a friend, spouse, or child. We will be testing each other while eating supper at night. Whatever method you choose, remember that the goal is to know this verse so well that the Holy Spirit can bring it to mind when you need it!

Now for a little bit of fun! It’s time to reveal the winner of the pretty watercolor blank journal. First, let me say that I really am grateful for all of you who took time pre-Christmas to send me your favorite Bible verse. Secondly, I entered all of the names that contributed whether it was via Facebook, my blog or personal email. Thirdly, if the winner happens to be living outside of the contiguous 48 states, I will send it to someone they know in the states who can get it to them. I really can’t send it internationally–sorry. Lastly, none of my immediate family or extended family was entered into the contest–I know–it stinks, but I do have to be fair.

I’ve included the winner via the video below. Check it out!

Check back each Wednesday for the new verse. Also, in the new tab labeled 52 in 2020, there is a free printable image of the verse that is my little gift to you all. I want you to be able to print these and use them each week as we learn to get God’s word in our heart.

Finally, if you want to be a part of the Facebook group 52 in 2020, then go to God is up 2 Something on Facebook and look for the group 52 in 2020. You must ask to join the group because it is a private group.

That’s it! Let’s show out for God in 2020!