Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, overrun, and overworked. Make that lots of times.

I’m glad I read Psalm 18 this morning. Here are eight verses why I’m glad:

“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (2).

“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (3).

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears” (6).

“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters” (16).

“He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (19).

“For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness” (28).

“He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places” (33).

“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted” (46).

What are some things I have purposed?

Hmmm. Well, I have purposed to enjoy now more and make as much of it as possible. I have purposed to be more positive, to be an encourager, and to be less driven by business.

Then again, I’m not sure that those qualify as things I’ve purposed or just things I would like to be and do.

When I purpose something, I’m committing myself to accomplish it no matter what. It becomes something which I consciously pursue all the time.

I thought of this when I read Psalm 17:3.

“Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”

That reminded me of this:

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

Two good purposes to have: (1) not sin with my mouth and (2) not lose my purity before God.