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Much of my life I felt that He had withdrawn from me.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!