One Word is BLESS

When I went to bed last night, the world and my world were not as I wanted them to be, and that ended up stealing my sleep- can I get a witness?

This morning I woke desperate for a word from the LORD to straighten my skewed mindset, and God faithfully met me with Psalm 119:89-96 and Psalm 103. My devotional reading in Journey was a timely reminder that in my search for perfection in my own life circumstances, I had lost sight of the one and only place where perfection abides- in God Himself; therefore, I need to turn my attention to Him.

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalm 119:92-93, 96 

Psalm 103 begins with the word BLESS– a word with which I am familiar. I use it daily- asking for blessings over food, people, and circumstances. I desire good and favor to be bestowed upon me and those I love. One of the dictionary definitions explains this well- “to request of God divine favor,” and yes, this is my daily desire and most frequent prayer request.  It’s also one of the benefits of being a child of God. Again, can I get a witness?

Today though, in Psalm 103, I’m realizing that my perspective has veered off course just a bit- focusing too much on the blessings I desire instead of on the one who is rightly and primarily to be blessed.

You see in Psalm 103- we are called to BLESS the LORD, for He is holy and the one to be celebrated and glorified. The Psalmist compiles a good list of reasons-

He forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies!
The LORD works righteousness and justice. He is merciful and gracious, slow to get angry but steady and patient with His love.
He does not take revenge for our sins, but instead He removes them.
He knows how fragile we are- blown away as easily as dust,
and yet His love for us never ends.

I’m thankful to God for His word that moves me away from my own destructive thinking that comes from life in an imperfect world. He’s shifting my focus today from me to Him, and I’m relearning and practicing the discipline of Blessing the LORD.

I’ve pulled out an old hymn-

I’ve added a modern version to my playlist-  10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

And I’ve written some new PICs to guide my prayers-

I’m agreeing with the Psalmist as I close-

I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
Your commandment makes me wise.
How sweet are your words to my taste.
Give me life according to your word!
Psalm 119:94-94, 98, 103, 107