The Big Question with CYNTHIA L SIMMONS

Q: What verse or phrase did you choose to motivate you for 2020?

with Cynthia L. Simmons WWW.CLSIMMONS.COM

I CHOSE “STAY CLOSE.” LET ME EXPLAIN. MOTHER PASSED AWAY ABOUT 11 YEARS AGO, BUT I HAVE HER BIBLE. I’ve learned a lot about her heart from the verses she highlighted and notes she left in the margins. She marked Psalm 32:8 and quoted it often. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye (upon you)” (NKJV, parenthetical added by author). What an amazing promise! Early in January, that verse came to mind as I was seeking direction for 2020. Like Mom, I wanted to know more about how I could live so God would guide me, so I decided to look at the context of the

Psalm. In the first two verses of Psalm 32, King David expressed joy over being forgiven for his sins. He probably wrote this right after he sinned because he describes his guilt in verse three and four “…my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer...” What a great word picture. That reminded me of times I have done or said something inappropriate and felt terrible afterward. Next, David explained the cure. He said, “I acknowledged my sin … and my iniquity I did not hide…” How wonderful to feel that load of guilt evaporate when we humble ourselves and confess. In verse six of Psalm 32, David recommended the righteous man run to the Lord rather than wallow in guilt. Plus, he listed the benefits. First, God protects you. “You are my hiding place…you surround me with songs of deliverance.” Second, in verse eight, God promised guidance—Mom’s favorite verse. Here comes the great part. In verse nine, God said, “Do not be like the horse or mule whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check.” Think about that. The bit goes into the horse’s mouth and when the rider tugs on the bridle, the horse feels pain. However, that action makes the horse obey. In essence, the Lord wants us to stay close to him so he won’t have to apply pressure to get our attention. And if we hang around God, we won’t sin. I love that! This lesson is perfect for me because I stay busy and drift away from God even though I’m trying to serve him. Finally, like chocolate syrup over ice cream, here’s another promise from verse ten: “…he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.” Wow! The Lord offered guidance, protection, deliverance and lovingkindness. Mom would be proud because I’m staying close to Jesus in 2020.