Day Three: Psalm 119:17-24
Wow. This passage from 17-24 has really hit home with me this morning; very timely. I read it through first in the NIV, but the personal application really shone through when I read the version in The Message. (I mentioned to one of our family who posted a comment yesterday that we are so fortunate to have all of the resources that we do! To be able to read the same passage in however many different versions can really send a point home and offer clarity.)
I will tell you that the hurtful situation I referred to yesterday has attempted to consume my thoughts for the last 36 hours or so. And, there have been moments where I admit I, without even realizing it, completely entertained the negative thoughts even though I kept praying for that not to happen. So, maybe I am praying for the wrong thing??? Instead, I should be praying to just stay “absorbed” in the Word (23), and to continue getting delight and fulfillment from It. Seek happiness, not misery…what a concept. Why is it such a Eureka moment to realize it would be much easier to ignore gossip and negative attitudes and to just stay focused on the Lord and scripture? I mean, I read and learned on Day One that I will be blessed as long as I stay on His course, but yet I still let the words of imperfect humans make me forget that just hours later!!! I continue to be humbled by what God reveals to me, but there is joy in learning his lessons! “Open my eyes so I can see…”
May 20th, 2009 on 3:46 pm
Ah Amy —-
You too are merely human. The struggles you report are common to us all. Even the apostle Paul struggled, as he recorded in Romans 7.
The important thing is to recover from our temporary failures/disappointments in not doing what we know we should…and to return our focus once again to the things of the Kingdom.
How do we do this, you might ask? By staying “connected” with God…in His presence via our prayers, Bible study, contemplation, meditation, etc.
Much easier said than done…but when done, very fulfilling. And it has been my experience over nearly 50 years, that this is a continual, daily, almost moment-by-moment struggle….but one to which we much commit our will, but relying upon God’s power and grace-growing of us.
So, we are not to let our emotions “lie” to us. If we do, then our life is a “roller-coaster”. Instead we are to let our hearts (will) lead us to do the things we have been taught…even when we don’t want to, because that will grow us to be more like Christ.
Randy (Pops)
May 20th, 2009 on 10:55 pm
Deal bountifully with Your servant! MORE, Lord! mmmmmmmmmmmore! I have been very encouraged by the Word the last three days, so I’m diggin’ this Psalm.
You are not alone, Amy! We can identify with Christ when we suffer.
May 21st, 2009 on 8:15 am
I too am enjoying this reading. I didn’t get to read until just before bed last night, but it was important enough to me to get it done. I too am needing to consume myself in the word and not in the negative things in my life right now. The real test for me will be tomorrow (Fri), because I start back to work in the morning. Being away from the family I have here will test my will and desire to read and make a habit that is more healthy for myself.