Thursday, January 17, 2008

Talking about God







The other day, I was reading this passage (Psalm 103:1-5). Sometimes I need reminders of just who it is that has control over my life.

It can be pretty frustrating trying to do things my way all of the time. But, lately, I've noticed that when I just say I can't do it and just hand whatever "it" is over to God, stuff clears itself up after a while. Probably because I'm not screwing up things--something at which I excel.


Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

Who forgives all your iniquities,

Who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from destruction,

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-5

The key to this passage for me are the words "forgiveness," "heals," "redeems," "mercies," and "renewed," most of which, are active verbs. These are things God does for us, out of His love for us. So, when we deal with others, who are we to not provide the same actions, to the best of our abilities?

It is very hard to forgive, but we have to do it without holding a grudge.


We can't physically heal people of their diseases, but we can show compassion, and sometimes that is a help.


Did you ever try to see a redeeming quality in someone? It's hard, but if you find one, chances are that person will become more human to you.
We all have our foibles and rough edges that need to be overlooked from time to time.

I often pray for God's mercy. I guess I need to show the same to others, eh?

Renewal? I pray for restoration a lot: health, formerly somewhat cute appearance, financial well-being, a life...I never thought to pray for renewal. That sounds better than going back to what I think was best.


It's hard to demonstrate a lot of these actions, being human and all. However, I think I need to work on it, though, starting with showing myself some of these things.

6 comments:

Buckaroo Banzai said...

Someone who sleeps as little as you NEEDS God! :P

Sezme said...

I had about five hours of sleep last night. I think. I can't remember.

I woke up at 3:30 a.m., today.

Just woke up from a 1/2 nap.

I think when I start going to the "Y" I'll sleep better.

I can't help it if I wake up, though.

USA_Admiral said...

I still cannot forgive and forget. It just seems beyond me right now.

This was nice to read.

Sezme said...

It is hard. I have found that holding grudges feels worse, though.

Bitterness is not my cup of java.

Dionne said...

I love the Psalms!!

Sezme said...

I love them, too. David is a good role model for those of us who fell off the straight and narrow for a while and who are trying to get back...learning grace and mercy along the way.