An Observant Soul
Hello Bride of Christ,
This year, like many others before it, has its moments. Moments we will cherish forever and ones we will wish to forget. None the less there is so much to be thankful for and sing praises about. So as we close out of 2020 and leave this year behind us, much like what I did with my sister Mims on our final 2020 Torn: Finding a Mom Life Balance podcast episode, I want to use the time together to sit and reflect. Reflect on the goodness of our God!
The Redeemed
In Psalm 107 the writer reflects on all the various trials of life people go through; oppression, affliction, sorrow. Regardless if you believe in God or not we all go through trials. We all struggle with difficulties. However, who we turn to in the midst of the trial is what makes the difference between the Bride of Christ and the self reliant.
In Psalm 107 the write speaks of both types of people. Those that believe in God and those that do not. He uses repetition of two phrases to illustrate how trials can either make a believer in God a stronger believer or how it can turn a non-believer into a believer.
"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distress."(Psalm 107:6,13,19,28)
See the THEY here are the hungry, the lost, the redeemed, those sitting in darkness, the wander, the fool, the ship wrecked, the overwhelmed. Regardless of who THEY are God responds the same.
The Lord
The Psalmist uses this song to help us reflect on the character of God. He is good. He is good always regardless of THEY crying out to Him. He is good regardless of when THEY start to cry out to him. Whether it be before a trial starts, beginning of a trial, or in the midst of the trial.
He responds. He delivers. He redeems. He saves. He revives.
When all seems lost or hopeless, Bride of Christ, cry out! There is no perfect or "right" time to cry out to God. He is always listening and He is always willing.
The Response
Like I mentioned earlier there are two repeated phrases throughout this psalm. The second is the reflection of the heart the Psalmist believes is the natural response a soul would have when delivered out of their distress.
"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8,15,21,31)
However, based on the phrasing "Oh, that men" leads me to believe the thanks that are due are not flowing into the altar.
If we would just slow down to reflect. If we would truly sit and quiet our souls so we can recognize all the Lord has done for us this year. And not only for us the Bride of Christ (children of God), but for "the children of men." This is everyone! If we were to do like the Psalmist writes and sings testimony after testimony. I believe the natural soul response would overflow off of our lips and the tips of our pens.
We would give thanks!
We would recognize our Lord for who He is!
As the Psalmist so eloquently put it "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord."(Psalm 107:43)
2020 Wrap
As we conclude 2020 together Bride of Christ, let us not miss the opportunity to sit and reflect on the testimonies of this year. Let us not miss the opportunity to recognize who made those testimonies possible.
Join me in thanking our Lord for His goodness and lovingkindness poured out on the children of men!
