Today’s scripture: Psalm 147 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
We will start off with a short quiz today:
How many times did you praise God yesterday?
How many times did you give thanks for the simple things?
Did you ever consider the grace that God gives you at any time through out the day?
Did you stop to think about the peace you have in God?
There are no wrong answers, just honest ones.
I know someone who tells me that she praises God and gives thanks each and every day. Yet I can’t understand why she seems to be one of the grumpiest, most negative people I know. There is always something wrong, and there is something wrong with people no matter who it is. It is hard for me to remember the last positive thing said she said. Does that sound like someone living in joy and gratitude?
When I think of someone who gives thanks and praise, I see someone who is joyful, positive, and uplifting. Today’s Psalm demonstrates that attitude of someone living that way. But how do I live that way?
It seems to me the psalmist has put these words into the fiber of his/her being. Truly praising God each and every day, thanking God for the wondrous things and the simple things, and considering the grace I am given by God, are all part of it. No wonder there is so much praise in the psalms and in the Bible. God knows who God is. All that praise is for us. It is for our souls and our spiritual well being. It all pours into the other areas of our lives.
Living in that joy and praise takes work. Yes, the words can come across our lips. But the words need to become part of our spiritual DNA. Keep practicing. Keep saying the words. Don’t give up. God doesn’t. Begin to act on those words and not just say them. Ask God to make your words speak into your way of life.
Prayer for the day: God, make my praise to you become my joy. Help me to live and feel that joy deep within, so that what rolls off my lips will become the way I live. Amen.
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.