Showing posts with label Psalm 66. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm 66. Show all posts

Saturday, October 25, 2014

A Personal Reflection on Psalm 13 & Psalm 66

Session IV: Reflection Paper, Psalm 66

            Come see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; There let us rejoice in Him! (Psalm 66:5-6)

            I find myself swept away with joyful emotion as I read the first 6 verses of this Psalm. I so get the passion of wanting others to come see the works of God. I have witnessed amazing works in my own life. So much so that God called me out to share them with the world.

            He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. (Psalms 66:7)

           I have been rebellious a time or two in my life. As I read these words I reflected on my stance during my haughtiness. If I get real honest, in the past I would have thought this was a warning that God was out to punish those who exalted themselves. As I read that verse again today, I had a thought of Cain and his stance when it came to his rebellion. I knew in an instant that it is our own defiance and foolishness that blinds us to the truth and opens us up to sin. We are told by God, “And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at our door; and its desire is for you,” (Genesis 4:7b)

            Blessed be God who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me. (Psalm 66:20)

            The end of this Psalm causes me to be ever so thankful. Like Paul, I too count myself among the biggest sinners. God did not turn me away when I prayed, He forgave me.

Session IV: Reflection Paper, Psalm 13

            How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (Psalm 13:1-2)

            As a child, I truly walked with God. I talked with Him day and night. He was by all means my best friend. However, when it was revealed to me the plan He had for me, I wanted nothing to do with it. You could say I ran from God with a vengeance. Much of my life I felt that He had withdrawn from me. It truly felt as if all those who plotted against me were indeed exalted over me.

            Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. (Psalm 13:3-4)

            I know that when I got back on my knees after almost two decades of not building a solid relationship with the LORD, I wanted nothing more than for Him to answer me. With every fiber of my being, I called out to Him for help. I admitted my faults and begged for mercy and wisdom as well as help. Instantly He called me by name. I know today that the enemy had me bound in chains with lies. I am positive he was waiting to happily announce he had overcome me. By the grace of God, that will not be my ending.

            But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13:5-6)


            It was my faith in God that brought me back to Him and He has dealt bountifully with me!