Psalms 67-71

As we read through the Psalms, I take so much comfort in knowing (through these timeless prayers and praises of others) that our prayers and conversations with God can be very personal and specific to our current circumstances.

God cares about each one of us.  He wants to work in our lives.  

It's really okay to spell out to God exactly what's on our minds.  Psalms 67-71 are a reflection of that truth today.

This truth may be obvious to you, but it wasn't always obvious to me.

I have always prayed freely and very openly for others.  But, I used to think my prayers needed to be more general and non-specific when it came to my own life because I feared being selfish.  

And as I have grown in my faith, I realized the more targeted, specific, and detailed I am in my prayers, the more God can guide me and use me.  Really, it's the difference between surface conversation and deep life-changing conversation.  That's not selfish, it's purposeful for God.

It's really amazing to talk to God and see Him work before your eyes on the very things You have been talking to Him about.  

The more I hand over to Him in conversations and in my heart, the more I see Him work wonders in my life and in those around me.

My prayers, more and more, aren't about my wants but about making sure what I am doing day to day is in line with God's will for me because His way is so much better than mine.

My mouth is filled with your praise,

    declaring your splendor all day long.

Psalm 71:8

As we go about our day today, let's spend time praising God for all the ways we are able to see His splendor.  Let's say "thank you" to God for all He is doing.  

And you know what?  I challenge you to join me in pushing yourself a little today.

Let's pray for the opportunities to go beyond being thankful in our own hearts to sharing our thanks and praises with those that cross our paths today.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for revealing Yourself to me throughout my days.

Your wonderful works are so many that it is impossible to praise You enough.

Forgive me for all the ways my heart and mouth fail to reflect Your perfect love.

I pray You will fill my heart and my mouth with Your praises all day long.  Help me see You and feel Your presence.  And as I do, Lord, help me to share Your splendor with others in a way that fills them with the love of Christ.  Give me the right words to draw others closer to You.

Use me this day for Your great purposes.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Grace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 


  

2 Samuel 21-24

In 2 Samuel 21-24, David rules over Israel again with God as His chief advisor.  Israel struggles with the Philistines some more, endures three years of famine, and a plague from a census gone bad.  However, God is always there with His people ready to help and strengthen them.  We see how God's redeeming grace has truly saved David and empowered him for good, despite his mistakes.  

One thing I admire about King David is how his faith draws others closer to God.  Just by reading his words, I am inspired to nurture my own faith in God.  I can't help but look at David's story and find hope for my life story with God.  Here's this ordinary, imperfect man that God transforms to be extraordinary for His purpose.

David gives us a picture preview of our God that renews and restores our lives today through the resurrected Christ.  Because He lives, we live abundantly.  We hear and see God's promises for our own lives in David's words of praise to God.

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me..."

2 Samuel 22:17

God reaches down and takes hold of us too.

Easter reminds us that, as believers, we are all claimed by the blood of Jesus.

As you read through David's Song of Praise, what words echo in Your heart?  How is God reaching down "from on high" to take "hold" of you?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I am thankful for all Your faithful servants, like David, whose shared words take part in strengthening and encouraging my own faith.  Open my heart to the words You need me to hear today.

I pray You will use my words to reflect Your transforming love to those around me.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.