Readings for today: Psalms 146-150
I didn’t sleep well last night. Too much on my mind. Too many things swirling around in my head. The significant conflict facing my denomination next week. The presentation I am making on the floor of the General Assembly and its potential to create even more anxiety in an already anxious meeting. The opportunities God is presenting to the church I serve which are many and varied and carry all kinds of potential but also risk. The opportunities God is presenting me as a leader in the different organizations I am currently serving. My oldest child moving back home with her partner and the wonderful opportunity we’ll have with all our kids in town to build great memories. Celebrating thirty years with my wife who is the greatest gift God has given me outside of His Son Jesus Christ. So much going on in my world right now! In addition, I think of all the needs I am aware of locally and around the world. The hard choices facing so many I love. The grief and pain they carry. The heartbreak and hopelessness. Every morning I wake up to texts, WhatsApp messages, and DM’s asking for prayer and it is a privilege to come alongside my brothers and sisters to intercede but it is often overwhelming.
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed? I praise. I turn to the Psalms like the ones we read this morning to remind myself to praise God for who He is and how He holds all of life - including my life - in His hands. The Psalmist faced all kinds of hardship in his own life. Life in ancient Israel was never easy. Even in the golden age of Solomon there were threats all around. But still the Psalmist praises God. Praise is a rehearsal of all God has done in our lives. It is a reminder of His great faithfulness to His people. His provision and protection of those He loves. When I praise, I find my attention directed heavenward. Above the cares and worries of this world. Above my anxieties and fears. Above the chaos and storms that may be raging all around me. Praise leads me to peace because I know God sits enthroned above it all. I know God is more than able to intervene on my behalf. I know God is good and He loves me and He will not shut His eyes to my pain or His ears to my cries. This is why praise is essential in the life of every Christian.
What would it look like for you to begin each day with praise? Praise for a new morning. Praise for new opportunities. Praise for new mercies. Praise for the breath you’ve been given. Praise for the life God has blessed you with. Praise for the many ways God has been faithful over the course of your life. Rehearsing these things to yourself on a daily basis is a rich spiritual discipline. One that guards and protects your heart against the corrupting influences of our world.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26