Today we talked about rejoicing. That seems to be a theme of Paul's in the fifth chapter of Romans, doesn't it? We took a look at Psalm 145 and went through some of the things about God that cause us to rejoice. So today, in this post, I want to simply give you a challenge.
Take a look at Psalm 103. I want you to read through it and as you do, write down ten things that would cause you to rejoice in God. This psalm offers much to choose from!
1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, my soul.
Read it! List your ten reasons to rejoice in God! And then post a comment and tell me one or two that stand out to you.
One, two, three, GO!
This morning in our talk and prayer time with "the kids" (meaning my 2 + Nayeli's 3), Robbie and Josh read while Naomi took notes! We focused on "all his benefits" for us: forgiveness, healing, redeeming from the pit, love and compassion, and giving us good things. Connor prayed and thanked God for his home. I can't tell you how blessed I am by God through these kids during this morning prayer time. I also see that my continuing to make time and effort for God talk and prayer contributes to my joy in the Lord greatly!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Awesome! What an encouragement, Andrea!
ReplyDeletePJ
Just one or two things? Really? Thanks for this opportunity and reminder to rejoice in who God is and who he is in/for us. How can I possibly pass on such an opportunity? Given his kindness and generosity, his greatness and rightness I for one will not remain silent! There are two things about God in this passage the juxtaposition of which I have trouble understanding, but am amazed by nonetheless. God is just and will uphold justice and God is gracious in how he deals with us. On the one hand God will ensure that justice is served, especially for those who in this life are treated unjustly (and this is far too common). He will ensure the full requirements of justice are met. What is right will be done. What is wrong will be punished. However, at the exact same time, he is gracious and gentle with us. He knows the stuff we're made of. He knows what we can handle and what we can't. He treats us really and truly with great tenderness as a mother with her child. And at the same time upholds righteousness, holiness and justice. I couldn't do that! I can't get my head around both of those at the same time! But he can and does. Always. What an amazing God we serve!
ReplyDelete