Don’t you love how the psalm appear at times like a a journal of random rambling thoughts and streams of consciousness, but all the while communication and conversation (prayer) between us and our God.
Today’s psalm certainly has that kind of format. Some of my favorite lines or familiar verses rise up from this psalm. Verse 11, “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth!“ Powerful. What a great prayer request, to instruct us so that we can know how to live. The second half of that verse, “Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.” What a potent plea. This isn’t a new idea, and I often make this petition. Don’t we all want our lives to reflect Jesus and honor God?
I recall hearing a story from some preacher along that way that has really stuck with me. We’ve all seen bumper stickers on people’s cars, and perhaps even the “Fish” sign, symbolic of being Christian. In one particular instance, this preacher observed the driver of the “fish car” being overly aggressive and verbally abusive to another driver in traffic. Not a good reflection of Jesus and certainly not God honoring behavior. People are watching. What are they seeing in you?
So how do we respond to what God has given us? A good clue can be found in verse 12, “With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever.” Our gratitude needs to be overflowing because our WHOLE heart is praising, not just part, or when we feel like it, but with ALL of it, all the time.
Read through this psalm again and take note of how God is described. His majesty, his power, his compassion, his unfailing love. Jot down the attributes and give him thanks. Have a grateful heart like the psalmist with the assurance that God is working for you.
Let’s pray. Thank you God for rescuing me and for the hope each new day brings. Continue to guide me with your wisdom. Open the doors you want me to walk through. I am overflowing with awe and adoration for you today as I marvel in your creation and how you work things for good in our lives. I look forward to the plans you have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
