Today I received a text from my Mom with a great list of daily habits. I have found that my self discipline has waned over the past few months and I have not been intentional with my thoughts. I’ve forgotten the little things that kept me going when I was so busy and more aware of my time. There were multiple things on the list but the very first one was “3 things I’m grateful for”. Just 3. Go ahead…..3 things. Gratefulness is important because it changes our thinking and our perspective. If gratefulness had a face it would be relaxed, thoughtful, and humble. Are you feeling that way today?
Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel. KJV
Israel was God’s chosen nation in the Old Testament. They were chosen as God’s people to spread the news of Yahweh to the nations. In the new testament, God chose Jesus to spread the news and ultimately die on the cross for our sins. The disciples carried the news of Christ after his crucifixion so that ALL would know. 1 Timothy 2: 3-5 says, This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Today, those who believe in Jesus are the chosen people. We are the chosen people!
God inhabits the praises of his people and we are His people through Jesus Christ. God does not inhabit fear, discouragement, hopelessness, darkness, or failure. He is aware of these feelings but that is not where He wants us to remain. When we feel far from God it could be that we are not expressing our praise or thanksgiving to Him. David starts this Psalm with agony over feeling as if God has forgotten him and he complains of feeling alone. After a few verses he starts thanking God for all that God has done for him and his ancestors in the past. After praising God, David softens and this chapter goes from “doom and gloom” to hope for the future and God’s plan. Our past and the past of the Bible are our best reference for what God has done and can do in our lives.
Have you been in a state of fear lately? It’s so easy to focus on the negative. Have you ever taken note of how it makes you feel? Increased heart rate, jitteriness, sleeplessness, irritation, inability to focus, restlessness, doubt. Fear and too much stress change the chemicals in our body into a fight or flight response regardless of the reality of the situation. This response is helpful when we are in clear danger for our lives and need to get away quickly, but I’m usually laying in bed thinking about the future when it hits me. Definitely not a life or death situation. I am not being chased by a lion although my body is responding as if I am. This is where satan thrives – when we are scared and in a state of panic. Dwelling on the negative will keep us in the negative. Our best defense is to remember all that God has done for us and begin thanking Him for each moment. If its hard to come up with personal moments the Bible is full of them! From healing the blind and the lame to rescuing the Israelites from slavery to sending Jesus to die for us. As we allow our hearts and minds to be thankful God is able to inhabit our hearts and bring “peace that surpasses all understanding”. Our thankfulness is a reminder of all that God has already brought us through.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The struggle is real, but our God is bigger!!
I am thankful for this community of believers today. There is hope and peace for us.