Motivation: Are you feeling fear or gratitude?
Ps. 103 led me to gratitude this Friday afternoon. It begins:
“My soul, praise Yaweh (God’s name when you are addressing him personally)” and goes on to say “Praise God and don’t forget all His benefits.” At this point some of you may be stumped about how God benefits you, no matter how much you have read of the Bible and how long you’ve been a Christian. This Psalm is a great place to remember how He is your best friend forever.
So here goes the list of things those who love God have to be grateful for.
He forgives all your sins, does not treat us as our sins deserve, instead He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.
He heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.
He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
He works righteousness and justice for the oppressed.
He reveals himself to you.
He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.
He will not harbor his anger forever.
His love is great for those that fear (reverence, respect) Him.
Yes, it’s true, this comes out of the Old Testament. Read it for yourselves. So for those of you withdrawing from an angry God; take heart, anger is not the Father’s constant state. In fact most of what you read in this Psalm is demonstrated over and over again in historical narratives, poetry, prophecies and wisdom literature prior to Jesus coming.
When you read appalling stories, it is ok to be dismayed. Remember that some of the writing is descriptive, not prescriptive. In other words, what you are reading shows you what happened, not necessarily the way you should live.
Take your questions to someone in your life you can trust will give you informed answers. Perhaps someone who has attended seminary and cares about speaking the truth that is in Scripture with love. The most noble of Christians in Acts were the Bereans. They would check if what they heard aligned with the content in Scriptures. A Bible app like Bible Gateway may help you find a translation that you love. Lastly, find a church where they teach from the Bible. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you there. Outside of radio programs (today’s podcasts), church is the place where I began learning about God and developing my closest friendships with God and other believers.
If you feel driven by fear, that is not God. He is not a cattle driver, but a shepherd. That Great Shepherd that leads gently. Perfect love casts out fear. You can expect He will bless you on this lifelong journey with His presence and so much more. Come back to this Psalm and be reassured.
