Psalm 37:4

A few days ago, a beautiful friend messaged me, saying that she had been pondering Psalm 37:4, and wondering what exactly it means, and maybe I would be able to help. I was delighted to be asked, and sent of a quick reply with what I could remember off the top of my head. The next day I did a bit of digging around to check my ideas and get more detailed information, and sent off another message. Then, as I was writing this post, I ran into a few tough bits, and decided to go talk to my Dad about it. Well, turns out that the ideas I had sent my friend didn't really explain the true meaning of the verse. So, I've re-written this post to align with truth. Why am I telling you this? Because it shows (once again) how imperfect I am. I stuff up my analysis and ideas. I have to go back basically to the drawing board. I am wrong sometimes! (*Gasp!!*)

Now for the actual post...

In case you aren't familiar with it, Psalm 37:4 says this:

"Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart."

With just a quick read, we tend to see that and think, "Goody, it's saying God will give me what I want if I delight in Him." But then if we start looking at it in a bit more depth, and relating that verse to real life, we start to think, "Hang on, something's not quite what it seems here..." 

So, what does it actually mean? Well, as I said I talked to my very theological-truth-minded Dad, and he helped me grasp what it's actually saying. So, here goes my explanation. 

The first question we have to ask about this verse is, "What desires?" I think we all know that it can't mean every whim and wish of our hearts. We all know that some things (no matter how 'good') don't get granted. So, what does it mean, then? Which desires will get granted? The answer is actually three-fold.

1. Our desire for God. Think about the verse for a second. If we are delighting ourselves in the Lord, what will be the main desire that we have? God!!! We will want Him! And that is what God promises to grant us - Himself, and more and more of Himself. "Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible" says, "He has not promised to gratify all the appetites of the body and the humours of the fancy, but to grant all the desires of the heart, all the cravings of the renewed, sanctified soul. What is the desire of the heart of a good man? It is this: to know, and love, and live [for] God, to please him and to be pleased in him." This is the foundation of the verse. This is the key thing it means by the "desires" that God promises to grant.
   Take King David for an example. (After all, he's the one who wrote the Psalm!) His first and foremost desire was God. He wanted to worship and serve God, and delight in Him. This desire was granted.
2. Our righteous intents and desires. The second 'category' of desires that God promises to grant is the righteous desires and intents of our heart. In our example, King David also desired to make God's name great in Israel and even amongst the nations. He wanted God to be honoured above everything, and he wanted all Israel to worship God. These desires (that naturally follow from delighting in God) were also granted - although in a different way than David imagined (we'll talk about that in a second.) God's name was made great through David. Israel followed and worshipped God, and God was glorified. 
3. The out-workings of our righteous intents and desires. This is the third category of desires. These are the ways we think or want the desires of category 2 to be fulfilled. But the important thing to realises about these desires is, they may not be fulfilled. For example, King David wanted to build the temple as a way to make God's name great and help Israel worship him. He had his righteous desires, and thought of a way to fulfil them. God, however, had a different plan. Solomon was to build the temple. So, God did not grant David his desire in this category. He didn't get to build the temple. BUT, remember that David's desires in category 1 and 2 were fulfilled! And they are the ones that really matter. Although it didn't quite work out how David planned, God's name was made great and Israel worshipped Him.

So that's what the passage means* by "and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Also, it's important to realise the general context of the entire passage. David is addressing the frustration we might feel regarding wicked people who always seem to have success. He's saying "don't worry about them, they will soon wither and God will eventually carry out His judgement on them. And don't turn to their ways because you think it will bring more success and pleasure! Instead, turn to God, follow Him and delight in Him, and He will give you what is better." Verse 18 says "the blameless spend their days under the Lord's care, and their inheritance will endure forever." Read the entire psalm: there are many other verses like that, that promise hope and peace and true happiness through God for those that follow Him wholeheartedly.

Hopefully this helps you gain some perspective on what this verse really means.

Cassie xoxoxo

*I have stated all this as fact because it's what I firmly believe at the moment. I would like to mention, however, that it is a possibility that both my dad and I are wrong. 

A Brilliant Post about Singleness

Hello dear friends! I know it has been a while. I have remembered you, but I have been at a loss for things to post about. However, I think I've come up with something. But right now, I'm sharing a link to a post that has inspired me. I've put a few links from this blog into other posts before, and I keep reading new posts that are so amazing. So here it is: http://god-sdaughter.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/accepting-gift-of-singleness.html. 

Yep, it's about singleness. I think its on of the best articles or posts I've read on the subject. Every now and again, my dreams for the future overcome my acceptance of God's will for my life now, and I need a reminder that God has every thing in control, and that His plan, whatever that my hold, is better than anything I could "ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20). This post is such a reminder, gentle but pointed. So check it out, and hey, why not follow while you're there? I have no doubt you'll be glad you did so. :D


Love,
Cassie xoxoxo

Note to Self

When others disappoint you, when they are not what you expected, when you feel alone... God has something even better in store! His plans are greater than our plans and His thoughts higher than ours. He is the best life-story writer ever. He knows what you need, He knows what you want and He delights in providing for and giving good gifts to His children. Never fear, you are worth more than many sparrows, and one day you will realise how amazingly good His plans are. 

Not of this World {A Guest post by Bri}

{Picture from https://www.notw.com/stickers.asp}

"We live in this world but we aren't of this world"

When you hear that, what does it make you think? 

 The world is a scary place. As Christians it can sometimes be a little daunting. BUT, I honestly think it’s OK to be uncomfortable in this life. We aren't here for ourselves and to fulfil our earthly desires. Christ tells us that we are not of this world, meaning we should not be doing or following the examples of worldliness we see around us. Instead we must work hard to be a light in the darkness and a lily among thorns. We mustn't be afraid to stand out for Jesus.  

 In today’s culture we constantly face the pressures of everyday life. The books, movies, music, ads, influences around us from school, sport, even our family, will constantly be there and affect us. I really do believe, however, that it is up to us to decide in which way we let them affect us. Whether they will make us 'of the world,' or whether we will be 'not of this world.'

  Romans 8:5-6 tells us ‘For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, the things of the spirit.’ Romans also says that ‘Those who are in the flesh cannot please God’ (Romans 8:8). There’s many more verses like these that are telling us that as Christians we can’t be like the world around us, people who only want to please themselves who are living for their flesh. Instead we must live according to the Spirit in us with God’s help. This is difficult, but absolutely essential to living in God’s will and not straying. We are here to be Christ's servants. I’d like to share a couple of the things I think are essential to not be living 'of the world' but rather standing out for Christ.

1. Movies/books/music

It’s incredible how what we read, watch and listen to can affect us so greatly. I really believe this is a chance to either be followers of the world’s standards or stand out for Christ. It says in the Bible that our flesh will want one thing and our spirit another (Galatians 5:17). It really is a great battle, one we cannot think of lightly. And we must do everything we can to feed our spirit not our flesh. When we watch movies with sexual references, violence, swearing etc. that is feeding our flesh and will not help us in our walk with God and our spiritual battle. We need to take this seriously and not be surprised if our attitudes aren't right after watching/reading/listening to things like this. It’s like jumping in mud and being surprised and annoyed that we are getting dirty. Movies and music often put lies into your head and make things that aren't OK according to God seem harmless. They can often make you aware of things you shouldn't be yet or simply make you more prone to a selfish attitude like you've just seen on TV. However if we read God’s word, listen to music that builds us up and watch movies with good morals we can be so encouraged and inspired. We really need to be careful with living in this world but not being part of it. Otherwise how can we expect to be different to the world around us like Jesus was?

2. Relationships

This is a big one, whether it’s with family, friends, or boyfriends. Personally, I believe you shouldn't be dating until you are at an age where you can get married. I have failed in this area but hope to try again and use the things I've learned in the process for good. But that’s a different story. :) Leslie Ludy says in her amazing book 'Authentic Beauty', "It is so important to realize that the reason for making practical changes in our life is not because a certain activity, relationship, or pursuit is necessarily wrong, but because it is hindering us from building our life around intimacy with Jesus Christ.’ This is so important. As a Christian we all need to be careful about how our friends and relationships (even when you old enough to date) influence you. You need to ask yourself, "does this person help point me towards God?" Of course it’s good to minister to non-Christians but even then you have to make sure that your influence on them is stronger than theirs on you. And if it’s not you need to step back to protect your relationship with God. It’s really good to have a balance of friends in your life but most importantly to have Jesus as your best friend and always be seeking His will.

There’s heaps of other areas where we can either chose to be the world’s followers or God’s followers such as in the way we dress (I'm sure Cassie has done some fabulous posts on modesty), the way we speak, what we do when things go wrong, our attitude in general and so many more. As Christian young women it is our duty to be living as lilies among thorns not being "conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

We need to choose the rocky path rather than the easy one. God says that if a tree does not bear good fruit it will be cut down and thrown into fire (Matthew 3:10)…we need to take our faith seriously! We have a job to do here on earth. And if we don’t start ‘not fitting in’ we can only expect to reap the consequences. I challenge you to start taking the choices you face each day seriously and asking yourself what you can do to stand out for Christ on a daily basis.

Love,
Bri

A wonderful post about music

Hello all! I came across a wonderful post about music today. Check it out! It gives some awesome tools to consider when developing convictions about what music is alright to listen to.

Cassie xoxoxo

I...

 I know I don't usually post much about me and my life, but, much like I did in this post, I thought it would be cool to let you into a bit more of who I am. Give you a bit more of a three-dimensional picture of the real me. So, inspired by this post, here are some "I..." statements that you may or may not know about me.

• I am... saved, set free, white as snow through the blood of Christ.
• I am not... perfect.
• I believe... that no matter what happens, God still loves you like crazy, takes care of you and is in control.
• I keep... forgetting that God is the best thing I could ever have.  
• I need... friendship, God, to be taught, music, laughter, encouragement, books, inspiring people around me.
• I want... to become more set-apart for Christ. 
• I should... exercise more, love my family more, pray more. 
• I could... listen to these guys forever. (<3)
• I rarely... wake up without a song stuck in my head. 
• I never... will know as much about God as I would like.
• I wish I could... have an entire year without struggling with my thoughts.* 
• I don't think... before I act, too often. 
• I love... time with my friends, God, books, smiles, laughter.  
• I hate... seeing girls obsess about guys, going from one to the next,** people reading stuff over my shoulder.
• I fear... people thinking I like a guy (even when it's true) and being rejected or not taken seriously. 
• I regret... saying things that come out the wrong way and sound really absurd or, um, interesting, shall we say. :P
• I dance... all the time, everywhere, all through the house, and when I feel stirred by music that calls to my heart and toes. 
• I cry... when I've 'had it,' when I'm frustrated with my thoughts, when something sad happens, when I'm lonely. 
• I hope... to get married one day.
• I dream... of helping this generation embrace purity. 
• I hear... Jjiraf's music, tapping keys, the whirring computer motor.
• I see... the computer screen, a cluttered desk.  

Cassie xoxoxo

* It would be nice, but God teaches me so much from my struggles, so I'm content to wrestle through them.
** Please note: I don't hate the girls! I just hate seeing them look for love in the wrong place and get distracted from God, as well as hurt over and over too often.

Two Anniversaries

Hey guys! Yesterday was by blog's 3rd birthday! I wish I could have posted on the exact day, but I was away at a camp. But anyway, here are a few things I'd like to say...

First of all, the reason why this is the first time that I've actually 'celebrated' my blogaversary is that I've always just missed the day and not thought about it in the past. But this week I was reminded that it was my blog's birthday in a few days! So, I thought that since I'd remembered the day I may as well celebrate it. :P

It's going to sound false and religious, but I want to praise God for my blog anyway. It's He that teaches me (often hard) lessons and gives me stuff to share, and enables others to get something out of my posts. And it's He that brought me to the point where I had something to say about purity in the first place!

I thought I'd commemorate three years of blogging by picking my top five posts. (Yes, it would be more suitable if it was three, but I don't think I could pick only three.) So, in no particular order, I present my Top 5 Blog Posts of the [3] Year[s]!

1. Set an example... in purity
2. "Mission Modesty: Revive Our Actions" {Part 2}
3. Thought Life - Arrgh! 
4. Daily Dignity: Dress 
5. Encouragement 

AND I'll even put on a fireworks show for you!

Ta-da!!! :P


Now, in my title I promised to tell you about TWO anniversaries. Well, the second one is even more important than, and is indeed the forerunner of the first. {Drum-roll please!} Saturday the fifth of October 2013 marked... the fifth anniversary of when I had a change of heart and ended my crush (see the My Testimony page).

{Moment of deep and important silence}

Five years. Five years of wonderful, insightful, often very intensive training and learning. Five years of facing struggles and temptations and learning to press into God. I ain't done yet! Still a very, very long way to go.  Let me tell you something ironic. The very day of the anniversary I was wrestling with my thoughts over a guy. The next morning I got a 'slap in the face' about my selfish attitude towards marriage. The day after that I meet a guy I'm attracted to but haven't seen in months and have to carefully watch my mind. See? I still struggle. But even though I struggle, I still have a lot to praise God for!


Your thankful and still imperfect sister in Christ,
Cassie xoxoxo