Today’s scripture: Psalm 96 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
Many of us have negative images and feelings about God being judge as if God is lurking around every corner ready to get us every time we do something wrong. How much of that “God gotcha” feeling is self-judgment? I wonder if God uses that as a way to help us see ourselves more clearly, to help make corrections in our lives.
I have learned in my own life that as I live and grow, I learn throughout life what is truly right and what is truly wrong. There may be times where the lines are a little blurrier, and there are times when I learn a new lesson in a situation.. How I judge myself over time has changed with the knowledge and wisdom I accumulate as I live.
As I praise God, as I spend more time in prayer, as I do things that are more intentional in my spiritual walk, I feel like I can see more clearly, looking back at mistakes that I made and looking forward with prayer to do better in the future.
The very last verse of this psalm is about God judging the world with righteousness and the people with truth. I realize that the people during Old Testament days had a certain image and experience of God that is different than today. To me, that last verse does not sound like a God of wrath and judgment, but like a God who looks through the lens of righteousness wanting us to be the best we can be, wanting us to learn and live the truth for each of us in our lives.
Prayer for the day: God, help me to see myself more clearly through your love and grace, seeing my mistakes more clearly so that I can seek correction and live more freely.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.