The Lord Lifts UP All Who Are Bowed Down

"The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:14-19

When I read Psalm 145 the other morning, I noticed the footnotes that tell us that this psalm was written as an acrostic poem in the Hebrew language, meaning each line started with the successive letters of the alphabet...how cool! I love little artistic touches in the Word of God! I originally put the entire Psalm here, but then decided I wanted to just look at verses 14-19 (I encourage you to read the entire Psalm on your own, though).

We're a month into our journey together in losing weight. Some of you may have incredible momentum built up while others of you are struggling to stay motivated. Take heart! God upholds all who fall. When I skip a day of exercise or over-eat at a restaurant, part of me wants to give up in hopelessness that I'll never change. But, I think we need to realize that this is a life change, a neverending journey of faith. We are not dieting; we are becoming more like Jesus. Don't give up!

In a recent Bible study I completed on the Psalms of Ascent, Beth Moore noted how God's people fell face down in worship in Leviticus. She asked us to fall on our faces each day before the Lord as we started reading the Bible. I'll admit that I felt awkward at first, but the act felt powerful because God honors our humility. I've experienced His blessing (and seen how badly my carpets need cleaned!). Verse 14 in Psalm 145 tells us that He lifts up all who are bowed down. I encourage you to bow before your King and Maker as often as possible, even daily! When we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us up and our focus becomes fixed on Him.

These verses also tell us the Lord gives us food at the proper time AND satisfies our desires with His open hand. We can eat and still receive our desire to have a healthy body...God is righteous and loving toward all He has made. He is near to us when we call on Him in truth, He hears our cries and will save us, and He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. When I think of God's awesomeness and the power He has to save or destroy, I have no choice but to fear Him, get on my face before Him and worship His Majesty. Praise the Lord today! He will save you!

Dear God, we thank You that Your word is truth. We fear You, Father, and we humble ourselves before You today. We ask that You lift us up, save us from our evil desires, heal us and make us healthy and thin for Your ultimate glory. We love You, Lord God! Have Your way with our lives today. Thank You that You are righteous and loving toward us. We love You, too. In Jesus' name, AMEN!