Verse: Psalms 66
In Psalms 65
and 66, the psalmist recounts all that God has done and all that he has
created. In jubilant psalms of praise, the psalmist describes God’s
“awesome and righteous deeds” (Ps 65:5),
God’s power displayed in his creation, God’s abundance in caring for
the land and watering it, God’s bounty in providing for humankind and
animals alike. “Come and see what God has done,” he says in Psalm 66. “his awesome deeds for mankind” (Ps 66:5).
Physician and author J. Matthew Sleeth invites us to share the healing
that comes from bearing witness to the miracle of God’s creation:
When the psalmists advise us how to heal spiritually, they do not tell
us to purchase a television, car, house, self-help book, or exercise
equipment. God, they say, is to be found in the natural world that he
created, a world filled with the grandeur, beauty, and peace that are so
often lacking in our material world.
What remedy does God prescribe for our souls? [Quiet] waters and green pastures (see Ps 23:2). Find a place where there is nothing man-made in sight. Sit or lie down. Be still, and know who God is (see Ps 46:10).
Do not pray. Do not worry. Do not think. Your house, your cell phone,
and your new kitchen do not give glory to God. The Bible states that if
it is God-made (streams, mountains, birds, trees), it praises God ...
When only God-made things surround you, you are in a fellowship of
praise.
Perhaps many of our problems, including those of depression and
anxiety, are warning signals that we are living a lifestyle that God
does not sanction or want us to lead. The response to mental pain and
discomfort should be to seek restoring connection with God. In seeking
quiet moments, green pastures, and still waters, we may find just what
our souls need.
Do you know in which direction the Milky Way traverses the sky? As the
phases of the moon progress, does the light go from right to left, or
left to right? Can you identify a greater number of trees or cars? If
the Bible says God knows every flower and bird, why do we spend so much
effort knowing the names of man-made items? Maybe we’re paying attention
to the wrong things. Maybe this is why life seems so hard. If this is
our Father’s world, maybe we should pay more attention to it.
* In what ways does your culture and lifestyle distract you from God’s created world?
* In what ways does God’s creation reflect his glory?
* What within you needs healing?
Act on It
Follow Sleeth’s advice. Get outside this week and surround yourself
with only God-made things. Worship God in the company of his creation.
Ignoring the Gossip
Today's Bible Verse...
Trust in the LORD with all your
heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Subscribe - 
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Trust.
It can't be half-hearted. Either it is full trust or it is clouded with
suspicion. So as we face the everyday challenges of life, or as we look
for answers in deep and difficult problems, let's put our full trust in
the LORD. Let's ask for his wisdom and guidance as we make our choices.
Let's give him praise for the good in our life and seek his blessing
for the days ahead. Why? Because he longs to bless us with life, both
now, and forevermore.
My Prayer...
O LORD, my Lord, I place my trust in you. Please guide my steps as I seek to bring you glory. Help me in the decisions I face. Give me discernment as I seek to influence others and to share your grace with them. Give me the right words to say so that I can have a redemptive influence on my family, with my friends, and among my co-workers. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.Have A Blessed Day...
Please share this link with your friends
and Help The StarLight News
Spread The Good News...
No comments:
Post a Comment