There is a tendency in us all to take matters into our own hands when life brings difficulties. I can speak from experience that doing this has created more issues and prolonged the conflict than what was necessary. David teaches us a valuable lesson here.
The choices we make while in conflict is important to damage control. By asking God to illuminate David's path, he is assured to have good counsel. The same applies for us.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Psalm Forty - Two
Verse 1-2:
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Verse 11:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
I love David's transparency before God. In the same Psalm He declares his thirst for more of God in his life and then tries to figure out why he is so downcast. I believe this is a beautiful picture of the human condition. We can tend to be like H.G. Wells' description of Mr. Polly: "not so much a human being as a civil war."
It begs the question, "If everyday with God is sweeter than the day before, why in the world is today so difficult?"
David seems to be having this challenge. I think it's important to point out that his desire for God and his emotions may be in conflict, but his heart is prioritizing what is important, and his mind is helping him down a beautiful road of reasoning. David's self-talk at the end of verse 11 brings me great comfort today.
I will put my hope in God (not man).
I will praise Him because He is my Savior.
He is MY GOD!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Verse 11:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
I love David's transparency before God. In the same Psalm He declares his thirst for more of God in his life and then tries to figure out why he is so downcast. I believe this is a beautiful picture of the human condition. We can tend to be like H.G. Wells' description of Mr. Polly: "not so much a human being as a civil war."
It begs the question, "If everyday with God is sweeter than the day before, why in the world is today so difficult?"
David seems to be having this challenge. I think it's important to point out that his desire for God and his emotions may be in conflict, but his heart is prioritizing what is important, and his mind is helping him down a beautiful road of reasoning. David's self-talk at the end of verse 11 brings me great comfort today.
I will put my hope in God (not man).
I will praise Him because He is my Savior.
He is MY GOD!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Psalm Forty - One
David is asking for God's mercy in a time of trouble. I find that this is different than what I typically do in similar situations. I am quick to blame and complain to God about whatever is the trouble. This rarely does anything but waste breath. God's mercy is ever present... even in times of trouble. He is working all things out for those He loves. Allow His presence to comfort and sustain you today when things don't exactly go your way.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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