Journal Ps 44-47 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “O God, we have heard with our ears—our fathers have told us—what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:
You with your own hand drove out the nations, BUT them you planted;
You afflicted the peoples, BUT them you set free;
For not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm and the light of your face—for you delighted in them.” Ps 44:1-3
Observation: When the Psalmist reflects on the works and wonders of God and his mighty deeds, it looks like these are stories that should be repeated from generation to generation. I wish I was absorbed enough to remember to tell his stories…
Analysis: How absorbed am I with the Works and Deeds of God?
I think the synonyms of the word “absorbed” are appropriate to know: engrossed, captivated, amazed, fascinated, enchanted, struck with wondrous reflection—it is not difficult to apply these words in my mind and how I think. It is that I can’t remember the last time I experienced the meaning of these words thinking and talking about the Most High.
The Psalmist makes it a point to say: “I have heard about You and Your Works and Deeds from our fathers” and then goes on to describe how God delivered and saved; that the father’s sword did not win the land, but God did.
They were not absorbed with wonder about the results as much as they were absorbed with Him!
“His right hand and his arm, and, and…the light of his face!! He did it, he did it all!!”
I must put effort into really thinking about stuff like that. It has been years (it seems) that my heart has reacted with the intent to dig down deep in my soul to find praise. Oh, I can THINK just fine (and I should), but to cultivate wonder….
John Piper wrote a book titled “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ.” It is that second word, “savoring”, that begins the endless love affair with Christ. I can “do” the Gospel perhaps just fine but savoring the Gospel…ah, there’s the ticket to long for….and to communicate to the generations.
Prayer: Lord, you see the dumps I am in. I don’t know if it is illness, fatigue, or just what…but I know this isn’t a pleasant place to be in. Thank you for the encouragement from this weekend. It is a treasure for me. AMEN.