Welcome to Day 2490 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2490 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 31:19-18 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2490

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2490 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be diving into Psalm 31:9-18 from the New Living Translation. David continues his heartfelt prayer to God in this passage, crying out for mercy and deliverance. He’s deeply troubled—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—but what stands out is how, amid this pain, he continues to turn to God for refuge and rescue. We can all learn from David’s vulnerability before God, especially when we find ourselves in times of distress.

Let’s take a moment to read Psalm 31:9-18, and then we’ll break it down into smaller sections to see what lessons we can draw from David’s words.

Psalm 31:9-18 (NLT)

9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away.

10 I am dying from grief;  my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.

11 I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way.

12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.

13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.

14 But I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”

15 My future is in Your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

16 Let Your favor shine on Your servant. In Your unfailing love, rescue me.

17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to You for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.

18 Silence their lying lips—those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

A Cry for Mercy (Verses 9-10):

David begins Verse 9 of the psalm with an intense cry for mercy: “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away.” Right away, we sense the depth of David’s anguish. He’s not just feeling a little down—he’s in a place of deep, overwhelming distress. His tears are so frequent that his vision is blurred, and his emotional pain is so intense that it’s affecting him physically. He says his body and soul are withering away, a vivid picture of someone who feels completely spent, both spiritually and physically.

This is a reminder that as human beings, we are not just spirits or bodies, but whole persons. When we are in deep emotional or spiritual distress, it can affect us physically. David isn’t ashamed to admit his weakness and weariness. Instead, he brings it before God, asking for mercy.

In verse 10, he continues: “I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within.” Here, David reflects on how his prolonged sorrow and grief have taken a toll on his life. It’s not just a momentary feeling—his sadness has affected him over a long period, even cutting his life short in his perception.

David acknowledges that sin has drained his strength. Whether he’s referring to his own sin or the effects of living in a sinful, broken world, it’s clear that sin’s consequences have left him feeling weak and depleted. He’s wasting away, not just outwardly but inwardly as well.

How often do we, too, feel this way when the burdens of life weigh us down? Sometimes, our sorrow feels unshakable, and our strength seems to disappear. But like David, we can come to God in those moments of weakness and ask for His mercy and strength.

Isolation and Rejection (Verses 11-12):

David describes his isolation: “I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way” (verse 11). Not only is David dealing with deep internal pain, but he’s also facing rejection and abandonment from those around him. His enemies mock him, and even his neighbors and friends have turned their backs on him.

This is a powerful image of loneliness and isolation. It’s one thing to face personal struggles, but the pain is multiplied when those around you seem to abandon you. David’s situation is so bad that people literally avoid him on the street—they don’t want to be associated with him. He feels despised and rejected.

In verse 12, David goes further: “I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.” He feels invisible, forgotten, and useless, like a broken piece of pottery that has no purpose anymore. This imagery of brokenness is profound—it shows how David feels discarded, as if his life no longer holds any value.

We’ve all experienced times when we’ve felt alone, abandoned, or broken. David’s words remind us that even in our darkest moments, when we feel forgotten or rejected by others, God is still present, and we can pour out our hearts to Him. He sees us, even when others do not.

Conspiracies and Fear (Verse 13):

David’s distress continues in verse 13: “I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.” Now, David isn’t just dealing with inner turmoil or social rejection—he’s also facing real external threats. His enemies are spreading rumors and lies about him, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Worse yet, they are plotting to take his life.

This is a situation of immense pressure. David feels surrounded by terror, and the danger is not just imagined—it’s real. His enemies are actively seeking to destroy him. We can sense the weight of the fear and danger he’s experiencing.

In our own lives, we may not face physical enemies in the same way David did, but we often feel surrounded by stress, fear, or the pressures of life. Whether it’s false accusations, misunderstandings, or just the overwhelming challenges of our daily responsibilities, we can relate to feeling as though the world is conspiring against us.

But once again, David doesn’t remain in this place of fear and despair. He turns to the One who can deliver him from this overwhelming situation.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty (Verses 14-15):

In verse 14, we see a shift in David’s tone: “But I am trusting You, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’” Amid his fear, isolation, and danger, David makes a conscious choice to trust in the Lord. He declares, “You are my God,” reaffirming his personal relationship with the Lord. This isn’t just a vague hope—it’s a deep, personal trust in God’s character and sovereignty.

In verse 15, David says, “My future is in Your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.” What a profound statement of faith! Despite everything going on around him, David acknowledges that his future is ultimately in God’s hands. His life, his destiny, and his safety are all under God’s control.

This is a powerful reminder for us. No matter what challenges or dangers we face, our future is not determined by the circumstances around us. It’s in God’s hands. When we trust Him, we can find peace even amid chaos, knowing He is in control.

David asks God to rescue him from those who pursue him, and his confidence comes from his belief that God is more powerful than his enemies. He knows that no matter how relentless his enemies are, God’s power and protection are greater.

A Plea for Deliverance and Justice (Verses 16-18):

David’s prayer continues in verse 16: “Let Your favor shine on Your servant. In Your unfailing love, rescue me.” Here, David is asking for God’s favor and love to be upon him. He’s not relying on his own righteousness or abilities; instead, he’s calling on God’s unfailing love and grace to rescue him.

He also pleads in verse 17: “Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to You for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave.” David is asking for vindication. He doesn’t want to be put to shame for trusting in God, and he prays that it will be his enemies—the wicked—who are disgraced instead.

David longs for justice, but he trusts God to bring that justice about. He’s not seeking personal revenge; instead, he’s asking God to silence the voices of those who oppose him and to bring about righteous judgment.

Finally, in verse 18, David concludes this section with another plea for justice: “Silence their lying lips—those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.” David knows his enemies’ lies are powerful and destructive, but he also knows God is greater. He asks God to silence the false accusations and lies of the wicked.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on this portion of Psalm 31, we see a man in deep distress—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—who still places his trust in God. David’s honesty about his pain and fear is an example to us. It’s okay to cry out to God when we’re hurting, and it’s okay to admit when we feel overwhelmed or abandoned.

But like David, we’re also reminded to place our trust in God, even when life seems out of control. We can declare, “You are my God,” and trust that our future is in His hands. God is our refuge, our deliverer, and the One who will bring about justice in His perfect timing.

I encourage you to meditate on this psalm this week and to bring your own fears and struggles before the Lord, knowing that He hears you and will never forsake you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 31. Until next time, may God’s peace and strength be with you as you continue your trek toward wisdom

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2489 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2489 – Spot-On Advice From a Seasoned Mentor – Daily Wisdom – Colossians 3:1-14

Putnam Church Message – 10/20/2024

Jesus Christ, Our Life – Spot-On Advice From a Seasoned Mentor – Colossians 3:1-14

Last week, we continued in the letter of Colossians and learned we can live forgiven and forever free.

The overarching theme of Paul’s letter to the Colossians is that Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord, our Life, and our Leader. In chapters 1 and 2, Paul developed the principle that Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Lord. In the second major section (3:1–4:1), Paul emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ as our Life.

Today’s passage is Colossians 3:1-14 on page 1834 of your Pew Bibles. We will gain spiritual insight from our seasoned mentor, Paul. I am reading from the NLT.

¹ Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ³ For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ And when Christ, who is your^[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

⁵ So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. ⁶ Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.^[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. ⁸ But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. ⁹ Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. ¹⁰ Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. ¹¹ In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,^[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,^[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. ¹³ Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

True or false? Experience is the best teacher. Many of us have heard this statement throughout our lives. It sounds right, doesn’t it? But it’s false. The truth is similar, but with an essential qualification added: Guided experience is the best teacher. Another saying that we hear a lot is that practice makes perfect. My oldest sister, an accomplished violinist, once had a teacher who stated that only perfect practice makes perfect.

Think about it. The experience of cooking without prior knowledge will likely result in a meal nobody wants to eat. But if you have a seasoned chef coaching you, you’ll be cooking gourmet meals in no time. Likewise, the experience of trying to drive a car without training will probably result in an accident. But behind-the-wheel lessons from an experienced driver will help you get safely from point A to point B.

This is also true in relation to the whole of our lives. When we are young, our parents and teachers guide us, challenge us, correct us, and stretch us. They help us overcome our weaknesses and enhance our strengths. Through their guidance, we grow and mature into more specific areas of interest and giftedness. These wise mentors equip us to live skillfully and experience life fully.

In the first century, the apostle Paul was a qualified, experienced mentor with reliable, wise advice. His counsel was trustworthy. His warnings were constructive. His instructions were insightful. Those who attended to his teaching would grow under his guided experience.

Colossians 3:1–14 provides a perfect example of Paul’s inspired leadership regarding how to live out the new life in Christ. He tells us what to think about as we seek to live life to the fullest (3:1–4).| He instructs us on what distractions we need to eliminate (3:5–9). |Then, knowing that we all form bad habits through the years, he shows us what we need to gain a fresh start (3:10–11).| Finally, he wraps up by outlining a list of essential virtues that we’re to “put on” as part of the new life (3:12–14). | These are the words of a master mentor. We do well to heed them.

—3:1–4—

Picture Paul as your personal spiritual trainer, standing before you, saying, “Okay, I want to get into your head, because everything we do begins there. It’s the center of our thoughts, our emotions, and our will. Let’s start with properly exercising the mind.” So in Colossians 3:1, Paul urges those who have been “raised to new life with Christ” to direct their minds upward, “set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

If we’re associated with Christ’s death and resurrection, we’re also associated with His victorious ascension to the right hand of God. We’re spiritually united with Him, and our thoughts and attitudes should be constantly drawn upward, not downward (3:2). And if we’re associated with Him in His death, resurrection, and ascension (3:3), our minds should also anticipate the next stage in the work of Christ—His return (3:4).

However, Paul isn’t suggesting we live each day in a superspiritual, out-of-touch la-la land, ignoring our lives on earth and paying attention only to the things to come.

Next time the world gets us down, or we’re in a lousy mood>and can’t seem to escape it, we need to check our spiritual eyesight. What is our focus? Are we looking backward, downward, and inward—fixated on things below, obsessing over things on this horizontal plane, and surrendering to the world’s values and loves? Or are we setting our sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ, who is your life (3:4),>sits victorious, ready to return from heaven and rescue us from this wicked world? A worldly focus will drag us deeper into the mire, but an upward focus on Christ’s>values and loves will lift us out of it.

—3:5–9—

If we hire a physical fitness trainer to whip us into shape, we can be sure they will insist that we eliminate things that slow our progress, set us back, or work against positive results. We’ll undoubtedly be told to cut down on sweets, trim the fat, and avoid high-sugar drinks.

It’s no different in our spiritual training. In Colossians 3:5–9, our spiritual mentor Paul gives us a handful of things we need to lay aside as we pursue a life that reflects the “things of heaven.” These sinful attitudes and actions will be the cause of God’s wrath coming upon this world (3:6), so they have no place in the lives of believers destined for eternity with Him. They are—and should continue to be—things of our past, things we once practiced but have abandoned for the sake of conformity to Christ. We can categorize these attitudes and actions into three groups. (Bulletin Insert)

First, Paul tells us to eliminate sensuality (3:5). This group of behaviors includes four practices that we are to consider our bodies to be “dead to”: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. The term immorality is a translation of the Greek word porneia. Porneia is a general term for sexual immorality of any kind, including premarital and extramarital sexual relations, prostitution, and homosexuality.

“Impurity” refers to anything unclean, unwholesome, and corrupting. This includes anything that pollutes our minds—especially inappropriate or suggestive images. Moving to the interior, “lust” and “evil desires” have to do with dwelling on immoral or impure things—coddling unwholesome desires, obsessing over illicit cravings, and longing for things that are forbidden to Christians. These sensual thoughts and behaviors are disastrous to a healthy Christian life.

We can’t even tinker or toy with these things. We can’t dabble in these things and hope to remain untainted. There’s only one stance a Christian should take with sensual things: So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. (3:5). You may have heard the saying, “He’s dead to me,” (shark tank), referring to a complete and total break in a relationship with someone. Paul urges believers to make this kind of break with sensual things.

Second, Paul tells us to eliminate materialism (3:5). This includes greed and idolatry. The first relates to inner motivation and the second to outer manifestation. Greed is the driving desire to have more … and more … and MORE—a desire that can never be satisfied. If you let greed get a foothold, it won’t be long before you worship and serve the things you thought would satisfy you. Richard Foster pulls no punches when he writes, “Compulsive extravagance is a modern mania. The contemporary lust for ‘more, more, more’ is clearly psychotic; it has completely lost touch with reality.”

That’s the world in which we live. Enough is never enough. A promotion is never high enough. A salary is never large enough. Things are never plentiful enough. So, we end up worshiping those things that utterly fail to bring us lasting contentment or pleasure. We are a very spoiled people—and very deceived. The more we have, the more we want. We need to get rid of such out-of-control materialism.

Third, Paul tells us to eliminate negative emotionalism (3:8–9). Which includes anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. In short, we need to set aside uncontrolled negative emotions. This involves the sudden, angry outbursts in which we lose our cool and say things that shouldn’t be said |and the long, quiet, stewing, seething, lingering bitterness that devours us from within. Christians seeking to live a new life in Christ must stop the habits of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

Isn’t it interesting that Paul writes these things to Christians? It’s easy for us to think that we who have accepted Christ as Savior, who have the Spirit living within us, will be free from negative emotionalism. But some of the harshest, angriest, and most insulting letters and online articles have come from fellow Christians. The ugliest words ever said come from so-called brothers and sisters in Christ. Our spiritual life coach, the apostle Paul, says, Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. (3:8–9). These things should be in our past, not in our present—and certainly not in our future!

—3:10–11—

In 3:5–9, Paul listed the vices we should lay aside as we seek to live the abundant Christian life. Before providing in 3:12-14 the opposite list of virtues we ought to put on, he supplies two transitional verses explaining the source of these new character traits. Our old life without Christ came to an end when we “stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.” (3:9); now our new life in Christ has begun as we “ Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (3:10).

This new life in Christ begins not with self-reformation or our turning over a new leaf. It isn’t a pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps kind of reform. The new birth is not something we can cause to happen ourselves. Rather, as the apostle John says, the new birth comes from the Holy Spirit (John 3:3–8). Similarly, Peter says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Pet. 1:3). God the Father showed mercy, |Christ made the provision, |and the Holy Spirit makes it happen.

The new nature we have received through the new birth makes it possible for us to be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.  (Col. 3:10). Each of us who is a believer has been placed into an eternal relationship with God. Each has begun the journey of becoming like Him. Every Christian, regardless of racial, ethnic, national, or cultural background, is transformed into the likeness of Christ in the same way—by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (3:11). Jesus Christ is sufficient as our Life.

—3:12–14—

The radical transformation in our relationship with God that begins when we are born again calls for a radical change in our external actions. Using an image of changing clothes, Paul weaves together the threads of a new garment of righteousness to match our identity: Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves (3:12). Held together with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony (3:14), Paul’s sampling of virtues constitutes a complete reversal of the three categories of wicked practices described in 3:5–9 that characterized our lives without Christ. Instead of sensuality, materialism, and negative emotionalism, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (3:12–14). Of course, Paul could have added many more qualities to this list. (Galatians 5:22-23) His purpose isn’t to give an exhaustive checklist, but rather to provide a general pattern of the Spirit-enabled, Christ-honoring lives we should live as the children of God.

What a magnificent pattern for our new garment of righteousness! What a grand blend of the qualities we all need in our extreme makeover from wicked, hell-bound sinners to righteous, heaven-bound saints! And when these virtues begin to characterize our new lives in Christ, everybody benefits. God uses each of us to touch the lives of others, to encourage them in their relationships with the Lord. We must think of ourselves as recipients of God’s renovating work and as spiritual mentors for others on the same journey.

Application: COLOSSIANS 3:1–14

Continue Your Wardrobe Change

Despite our differences, one thing we all share in common is the struggle against our old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.  (3:9). However, each of us faces unique weaknesses and temptations as we progress toward living lives according to the “new nature” created by the Spirit after the likeness of Christ (3:10). Let’s take a few moments to think critically about where we are in this spiritual wardrobe change. (Show the two coats – one dirty and one clean)

The following chart contrasts the vices of the old life we are to take off with the virtues of the new life we are to put on. Read through each list and honestly mark any vices or virtues that characterize your daily life. Don’t highlight traits you only occasionally see in your life, but mark those that have become habits—good or bad.

For each vice that needs to be discarded, find at least one virtue that would counter it or cancel it out. For example, if you struggle with the vice of anger, you could cultivate the virtues of kindness and patience.

Finally, consider other specific ways to put the wicked deeds of the old self to death and clothe yourself with the righteous deeds of the new self. Remember, though, that you can’t do this on your own. Experience isn’t the best teacher; guided experience is. You need the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, the clear example of Jesus Christ, and the constant forgiveness that comes from God. You also need the strength from team members—fellow believers on the same journey—and coaches—wise, trusted teachers, counselors, or mentors to help you along the way. Let’s continue our wardrobe change by removing our old, filthy, stinking clothes and putting on our new, fresh clothes.

Next week, we will continue our series in the letter to the Colossians. The second section is Jesus Christ, Our Life, and the message is titled ‘Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However…Christ. Invest time reading Colossians 3:15-4:1 for next week’s message.

Welcome to Day 2488 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2488 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 31:1-8 – Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2488

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2488 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll be exploring Psalm 31:1-8 from the New Living Translation—a passage that speaks deeply to the human experience of seeking refuge, trusting in God, and finding security in Him during moments of distress.

Psalm 31 is a psalm of David, and it reflects both his deep trust in God and his desperation in times of difficulty. What’s beautiful about this psalm is its raw honesty and deep reliance on God as a refuge. David faced many trials throughout his life—times of danger, betrayal, and even his own personal failures—but he consistently turned to God for protection and deliverance. This psalm invites us to do the same, no matter what challenges we face.

So, let’s dive into Psalm 31:1-8 and discover how it can guide us in our daily lives.

Psalm 31:1-8 (NLT)

1 O Lord, I have come to You for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for You do what is right.

2 Turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.

3 You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of Your name, lead me out of this danger.

4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone.

5 I entrust my spirit into Your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for You are a faithful God.

6 I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul.

8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.

A Cry for Protection and Deliverance (Verses 1-2):

The psalm begins in verse 1 with David’s plea for protection: “O Lord, I have come to You for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for You do what is right.” From the very first verse, we see David’s complete reliance on God. He turns to the Lord for refuge, recognizing that only God can offer the protection he needs.

David’s request is personal and direct. He’s not just asking for general safety; he’s asking God to prevent him from being disgraced or shamed amid his troubles. This could refer to various situations in David’s life, from personal failures to being pursued by enemies. He’s seeking not only physical protection but also spiritual and emotional preservation. He wants his reputation, his honor, and his relationship with God to remain intact through whatever trials he faces.

In verse 2, David continues by asking God to “turn Your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe.” The imagery here is powerful—David is asking God to listen to his cry and respond swiftly. He describes God as his rock and fortress, a place of solid security where he can find refuge from the dangers surrounding him.

This is a great reminder for us. When we face challenges, it’s natural to seek protection and security. But where do we turn? David teaches us that God is our ultimate refuge—a place of safety and strength when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us. We can cry out to Him for help, knowing that He hears us and is able to rescue us.

God as Our Rock and Fortress (Verses 3-4):

David emphasizes this idea of God as his fortress in verse 3: “You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of Your name, lead me out of this danger.” The repetition of God as a “rock” and “fortress” underscores how foundational this truth is for David. He recognizes that God is his solid ground, his unshakable protection in times of trouble. There’s nothing more stable or secure than the Lord.

But notice what David says next: “For the honor of Your name, lead me out of this danger.” David’s request for deliverance isn’t purely self-centered. He’s concerned about God’s reputation as well. He knows God’s character is at stake when His people are distressed. David appeals to God’s honor and asks for deliverance, not just for his own sake, but so that God’s name will be glorified. He understands that his life, as a servant of God, is tied to God’s larger purpose and plan.

In verse 4, David continues: “Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in You alone.” Here, David is acutely aware of the dangers around him. His enemies have laid traps, and the threat is real. But amid this danger, David expresses his unwavering trust in God: “I find protection in You alone.”

This is a profound statement of faith. David doesn’t rely on his strength, military power, or cleverness to escape his enemies’ traps. He trusts solely in God’s protection. In the same way, we are called to trust God completely when we face physical, emotional, or spiritual threats. He is the one who can deliver us from the traps of the enemy.

Entrusting Ourselves to God (Verse 5):

One of the most significant verses in this passage is verse 5: “I entrust my spirit into Your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for You are a faithful God.” This verse may sound familiar to many of us because it’s the same phrase Jesus used on the cross when He was about to die (Luke 23:46). It’s a powerful declaration of complete trust in God’s care, even in the face of death.

David is not just entrusting his immediate circumstances to God—he is entrusting his very life and spirit into God’s hands. This is the ultimate expression of faith and surrender. David knows that God is faithful and can be trusted with everything, including his life and future. He calls on God to rescue him, confident in God’s character and faithfulness.

This verse challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to entrust everything to God? Are we willing to place our lives—our hopes, fears, and even our very spirits—in His hands? Trusting God isn’t just about asking Him for help in a difficult situation. It’s about surrendering every aspect of our lives to Him, confident that He is faithful and trustworthy.

Rejecting Idols and Trusting in God (Verse 6):

In verse 6, David makes a strong statement: “I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord.” This verse may seem like a shift in tone, but it reveals David’s deep conviction. He has seen the futility of worshiping idols—objects that have no power or ability to save. In contrast, David fully trusts the living God, who alone has the power to protect and deliver.

The contrast between idol worship and trusting in God is significant. Idols represent anything we trust apart from God—wealth, power, success, or even ourselves. David’s rejection of idols reflects his understanding that only God is worthy of our trust. Anything else we rely on is ultimately empty and powerless.

We live in a world where it’s easy to place our trust in things other than God. But like David, we must remind ourselves that only God is our true refuge. Everything else will fail us, but God is faithful and trustworthy.

God’s Unfailing Love and Deliverance (Verses 7-8):

David shifts to praise in verses 7 and 8: “I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.”

Here, David reflects on God’s unfailing love. Despite the troubles he has faced, he is confident that God has been with him, seeing his distress and caring for him amid his anguish. David’s troubles were not hidden from God, and neither are ours. God sees our pain, our fears, and our struggles, and He cares deeply about the anguish of our souls.

David praises God for not handing him over to his enemies. Instead, God has set him in a “safe place.” This idea of being placed in a secure, protected spot is a beautiful picture of God’s deliverance. David recognizes that God has rescued him from immediate danger and placed him in a position of safety and security.

This is a reminder that God is not distant or uncaring in our times of trouble. He sees our struggles, He cares for us, and He has the power to deliver us. We can rejoice in His unfailing love, knowing He is our protector and refuge.

Reflection and Application:

As we reflect on Psalm 31:1-8, we are reminded of several essential truths we can apply to our lives.

First, we must turn to God as our refuge in times of trouble. Just as David cried out to God for protection, we can confidently approach God, knowing He is our rock and fortress. He is always present, ready to listen to our cries for help.

Second, we need to place our trust entirely in God’s hands. David’s declaration of faith—“I entrust my spirit into Your hand”—challenges us to surrender every aspect of our lives to God. Whether facing danger, uncertainty, or fear, we can trust that God is faithful and will protect and deliver us.

Finally, we must reject anything that competes with God for our trust. Like David, we must turn away from idols—whether they are material things, relationships, or self-reliance—and put our trust in God alone.

As we conclude today’s episode of Wisdom-Trek, I encourage you to meditate on Psalm 31 this week and consider how God has been your refuge and deliverer. No matter what you are facing today, know that God sees your troubles, cares for you, and will bring you through to a place of safety and joy.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Psalm 31. Until next time, may God’s peace and strength be with you as you continue your trek toward wisdom.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2487 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 30:6-12

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2487

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2487 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before..

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we’ll look at the second half of Psalm 30, verses 6-12, from the New Living Translation. This passage is rich in personal reflection and full of profound truths that can help guide us through the highs and lows of life.

Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, attributed to David, who reflects on God’s deliverance. It’s a reminder that even when we feel secure in ourselves, it is God who sustains us, and when we experience trouble, He is the one who turns our mourning into joy. As we dive into these verses, let’s consider how David’s journey of faith can speak to us in our own times of trial and triumph.

Let’s begin by reading Psalm 30:6-12 together:

Psalm 30:6-12 (NLT):

6 When I was prosperous, I said,
“Nothing can stop me now!”

7 Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.
Then You turned away from me, and I was shattered.

8 I cried out to You, O Lord.
I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,

9 “What will You gain if I die,
if I sink into the grave?
Can my dust praise You?
Can it tell of Your faithfulness?

10 Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.
Help me, O Lord.”

11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

12 that I might sing praises to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!

Self-Reliance and the Illusion of Security (Verses 6-7):

David begins this portion of the psalm by looking back on a time in his life when he felt secure in himself: “When I was prosperous, I said, ‘Nothing can stop me now!’” It’s easy to relate to David here. When things are going well—when we have success, wealth, health, and everything seems to be in order—we can slip into a mindset of self-reliance. We might think that we’ve got it all together, that nothing can shake us. David admits that during his prosperity, he felt invincible.

But in verse 7, we see the reality check: “Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain. Then You turned away from me, and I was shattered.” David acknowledges that it wasn’t his own strength or ability that made him secure—it was the favor of the Lord. God’s protection and blessing were the foundation of David’s security. And when God’s presence seemed to withdraw, David was immediately shaken. What once felt like a solid mountain of security crumbled in an instant.

This is a humbling reminder for all of us. It’s tempting to rely on our own resources, skills, or achievements, but we must never forget that it is God who sustains us. Our security, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, comes from Him alone. Without His favor, we are vulnerable. When things go well, we should give thanks to God and recognize that it is by His hand, not our own, that we are blessed.

Crying Out in Desperation (Verses 8-10):

After realizing that his security was dependent on God and not on himself, David describes a moment of crisis in verses 8-10: “I cried out to You, O Lord. I begged the Lord for mercy, saying, ‘What will You gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise You? Can it tell of Your faithfulness? Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord.’”

Here, we see David in a place of desperation. He feels as though he’s on the brink of death—whether literal or figurative—and he pleads with God for mercy. David’s cry is raw and honest. He doesn’t try to put on a brave face or pretend everything is okay. Instead, he brings his fears and concerns before the Lord with transparency.

David’s reasoning is intriguing: “What will You gain if I die? Can my dust praise You? Can it tell of Your faithfulness?” Essentially, David is reminding God of his purpose as a worshiper and witness. If he dies, he can no longer praise God or declare His faithfulness. This plea isn’t manipulative, but it shows David’s understanding of the importance of living in a way that glorifies God. He knows his life has meaning, and that meaning is tied to praising God and bearing witness to His goodness.

This teaches us an essential lesson about approaching God in our desperate times. We can come to Him with all our fears, doubts, and worries, knowing He hears us. And like David, we can remind ourselves—and God—that our lives have purpose. Even in the darkest times, we are created to reflect God’s glory and tell of His faithfulness. Our struggles and pain don’t diminish that purpose; in fact, they often enhance our ability to witness to God’s grace and mercy.

God’s Transformative Power (Verse 11):

David’s plea for mercy is not left unanswered. In verse 11, we see a beautiful turn of events: “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”

What an incredible transformation! David moves from a place of mourning and sorrow to one of joy and celebration. Notice the active role that God plays in this transformation. It is God who turns David’s mourning into dancing. It is God who removes the sackcloth of grief and clothes him with joy. David couldn’t pull himself out of his despair; it was the Lord who brought him out of the pit and into a place of joy.

This verse is such a vivid image of God’s power to change our circumstances. Mourning and sorrow are inevitable parts of life. We all experience loss, pain, and grief at some point. But the promise here is that God doesn’t leave us in our sorrow. He has the power to turn our mourning into dancing. He can replace our sorrow with joy, even when it seems impossible.

For those of us going through difficult seasons, this reminds us to hold on to hope. The God who lifted David out of his despair is the same God who can lift us out of ours. His power to transform our circumstances is still at work today. We may be in a season of mourning, but joy is on the horizon.

A Commitment to Praise (Verse 12):

David concludes the psalm in verse 12 with a declaration of his ongoing commitment to praise the Lord: “That I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever!”

After experiencing God’s deliverance and the joy that follows, David’s response is one of unceasing praise. He knows that his purpose is to glorify God, and he vows to fulfill that purpose with his whole heart. He will not be silent about what God has done for him. Instead, he will continually give thanks and testify to the Lord’s goodness.

This is a fitting conclusion to the psalm. David’s journey from self-reliance to despair and then to deliverance ends in praise. His experience of God’s mercy and transformation leads him to a place of perpetual gratitude. And just as David’s praise is a response to God’s deliverance, our praise should also be a natural outflow of recognizing God’s work in our lives.

When we see how God has rescued us—whether from physical danger, emotional distress, or spiritual struggle—our response should be one of continual praise. Like David, we should commit ourselves to telling others of God’s faithfulness and never be silent about what He has done for us.

Reflection and Application:

As we reflect on Psalm 30:6-12, we can apply several important truths to our lives.

First, we must remember that our security comes from God, not from ourselves. It’s easy to think we are invincible in times of prosperity, but true security is found in God’s favor and presence. We should always acknowledge that He is the source of our blessings and protection.

Second, when we find ourselves in moments of desperation, like David, we can cry out to God with honesty and transparency. Our raw emotions or fears do not put God off. He listens to our cries for mercy and responds with compassion.

Third, God has the power to transform our mourning into joy. No matter how deep our sorrow, God can bring us out of the darkness and into a place of celebration. His ability to change our circumstances and lift us out of despair is a testament to His great love for us.

Finally, our response to God’s deliverance should be one of continuous praise. Like David, we are called to sing God’s praises and share His faithfulness with others. Our testimonies of God’s goodness are powerful, and they can encourage those around us to trust in Him as well.

Conclusion:

Psalm 30:6-12 is a powerful reminder of God’s deliverance and His ability to turn our sorrow into joy. David’s journey from self-reliance to despair and then to celebration is one that resonates with all of us. We all go through seasons of life where we feel secure, where we face trials, and where we experience God’s restoration.

As we conclude today’s episode of Wisdom-Trek, let’s remember to put our trust in God, cry out to Him in times of need, and praise Him continually for His faithfulness. No matter what you’re going through today, know that God is with you, and He has the power to bring you through it and fill your heart with joy.

Thank you for joining me on this trek through Psalm 30. I encourage you to meditate on this passage throughout the week and consider how God has worked in your life. Until next time, my friends, may God’s peace and joy fill your hearts as you walk with Him daily.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!

Welcome to Day 2486 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Jeremiah’s Double Vision – I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible.

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script – Day 2486

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2486 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Today is the twenty-seventh lesson in our segment, Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not To Bore Me With The Bible written by Hebrew Bible scholar and professor the late Dr. Michael S Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us. Today, our lesson is: Jeremiah’s Double Vision.

If we look beyond the details of Jeremiah’s anguish and apparently fruitless ministry, we can spot a dual emphasis in the book that bears his name: judgment and repentance. But emphasis is not the only double issue. Two complete versions of the book have survived from antiquity and diverge in many ways.

The “Jeremiah Problem”

The book of Jeremiah has come to us in two versions—a Hebrew version, the Masoretic Text, and a Greek version, the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament). Our modern English Bibles follow the arrangement and content of the Masoretic Text (mt). The Septuagint version (or lxx) was translated from a Hebrew text of the book that differed in many ways from the mt. Because of this, the Greek version is roughly one-eighth shorter than the mt, and after Jeremiah 25:13, the order of the chapters differs dramatically.

Despite attempts to solve the “Jeremiah problem,” the textual history of both versions remains unresolved. We still don’t know which Hebrew text is older —the one we have today (mt) or the one used by the scribes who created the Septuagint.

The fragmentary scrolls of the book found among the Dead Sea Scrolls usually follow the order and content of mt, but some of the material matches the Hebrew manuscript that was translated into the Septuagint. Consequently, the Dead Sea Scrolls cannot offer a definitive answer regarding which version of the book more closely aligns with the time of the prophet.

We also find mixed results when examining the history of these versions. The Jewish community favored the mt version, but this is only apparent from around ad 100 onward, after the time of Jesus and the apostles. New Testament writers favored the Septuagint when quoting the Old Testament. Studies reveal that when the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament, the wording found in the Greek New Testament, the mt, and the Septuagint differs in some way 80 percent of the time.

Word-for-word quotations of mt are not common, amounting to less than five percent. Even when factoring in nearly identical quotations of mt, it is clear that the New Testament writers only appear to have used mt 20 percent of the time. The New Testament writers most often quoted from the Septuagint,- but this doesn’t mean they endorsed it, since they used both versions. They were writing in Greek, and so using a Greek translation would have been natural.

A Practical Response

So what can we conclude about the book of Jeremiah? Well, we cannot conclude that the Septuagint is to be preferred over mt, as though it were more sacred or “original.” If that were the case, it would be shocking to see the New Testament writers quote the mt. The reverse is true as well. Neither version deserves a higher status.

Perhaps the real lesson is that the New Testament writers, working through divine inspiration, weren’t concerned about the issue. There isn’t a single instance that indicates concern over which manuscript was being used or quoted.

This lack of concern is reflected in the ministry of Paul, who preached in synagogues all over the Mediterranean. Each synagogue had its own biblical text—its own scrolls, sometimes Septuagint and sometimes mt—and Paul used whatever was at his disposal. The same is true in his own letters. He trusted God’s provision that he was reading and preaching the very word of God. So should we.

The lessons that make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

Reflect…

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!