Psalm 12:6-8 and Psalm 31:19-21

Greetings dear and precious sisters-in-Christ, This is my first winter living in Ohio and wow it is a cold one this year. Even the locals are committing to how COLD it is and wearing winter coats and hats, so I'm not feeling alone in all the clothes I do put on to go walking. These last few days, because of wind chill factors, being very limited from going outdoors is taking a toll on my body. I do have to get out to check the mail. I hope that those who are exposed to this bitter cold are staying warm and finding ways to be inside. In fact, we are remodeling our bathroom, taking out the old and making more room with a different sink and some medicine cabinets. Yesterday was spent tearing down and preparing for the new and it was a very taxing day. For those who do any kind of remodeling, the first stage is always the messiest, right? My task was to clean up as much dust and debris after the workers. And as you can imagine, yesterday's work was my reward this morning when I walked into my bathroom and noticed how clean it smelled. In following the theme of walking through the Psalms, let us read Psalm 12:6-8, "The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever. The wicked strut about on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men." and Psalm 31:19-21. "How great is Your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear You. Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged city." My comfort in these passages is that the LORD's words are pure words and He will keep them and He will preserve him and the great goodness of the LORD that He has already stored up for those who fear Him. Yes, His great goodness! He has already stored it all up and how marvelous is our God and that He hides them in a secret place of Your presence and He keeps them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. What does this have to do with our lives being lived out? For today I am not sure how this applies to my life BUT I do know that in the reading of these passages I do find comfort in knowing that this is my LORD. The more that I can know Him the more that I long to stay in His Presence and worship Him. Let us pray - Abba Father, thank you for opening our eyes to see the great goodness of You and the secret place where You take us. LORD as we live out our days may we never need to face the "conspiracies of man or the strife of tongues" BUT if we do You have already prepared us. May we place our hearts and minds and souls completely in You alone. May You hide us and keep us in the "secret place" that we may boldly proclaim Your lovingkindness. In Jesus Name, Amen. He hides and keep me,

LyndiaSue