Over the next few days, I feel deep in my spirit that we are to read chunks of scripture, then discuss them. This first Psalm is full of good things. What sticks out to me first, is that the entirety of it recognizes the source of ALL good things. The One Who we serve is the mighty God. Greater than all other things, He is.
Praise awaits You, O God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled. O You Who hear prayer, to You all men will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, You forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those You choose and bring near to live in Your courts! We are filled with the good things of Your house, of Your holy temple. You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, Who formed the mountains by Your power, having armed Yourself with strength, Who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. Those living far away fear Your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades You call forth songs of joy. You care for the land and water it; You enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so You have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. Psalm 65
There are times when…well at all times…it’s good to acknowledge God and how wonderfully good He is…if there is one thing we can expect in all seasons, it’s that God is good. He is the giver of all good things.
When times are hard and we feel we are facing one challenge after another, it’s a great exercise to sit and remember. Remember all the good things God has done. Remember all the times He’s seen you through. All the times He’s provided when there seemed to be no way. Remember childhood and all the wonder of it. All the many blessings that have made up the fabric of your life.
Isn’t He a good God?!
I’ve noticed that one trick of the enemy is to block my memories, seemingly cutting me off from the power of my own testimony…but I won’t allow him to do so…when I feel blocked from the goodness record of my days…I sit and close my eyes, allow my mind to wander back in time, and search out the good days gone by…as strength to face this day. It’s a wonderful practice.
Time spent remembering God’s goodness and using it as fuel for today and tomorrow is ALWAYS a great idea!
I encourage you to do just that today. Take time to close your eyes and remember. Look for all the times when God has blessed, protected, and provided for you. Let that good report lead your day. Close your ears to fear and listen to the love song He’s been singing over you since the day you were born!!
365 Days in the Presence 