THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Thursday July 6, 2022

Lord, It seem like the psalmist story of redemption had a rough beginning. He “waited patiently for the Lord to help him,” (Psalm 40:1). Wait! How was that a rocky start? You were ready to immediately step in to help, but in his zeal to be perfect, the psalmist kept getting in the way. He was determined to conquer sin and temptations on his own to show his sincerity to live all-in for You. When did he realize he couldn’t conquer his sins on his own without Your help? Was it his second failure? Maybe his third? Perhaps his tenth, twentieth, or who knows how many attempts? Discouraged, he may have thrown up his hands in frustration. Trying as hard as he could, he knew his behavior didn’t always please You, Lord. Did he get to the point where he thought of himself as a believer You could not use?

Finally, the psalmist discovered grace. And after waiting patiently for the psalmist to get out of the way, You came charging in to rescue him from his frustrations. When he finally understood how only Your grace could set him free from his sins, (Psalm 103:12) You “lifted him out of the pit of spiritual despair, out of the mud and mire, and set his feet on solid spiritual ground,” (verse 2). But You weren’t through. You put a new song in his heart, and a new skip in his step. The psalmist life took on another dimension. Many were amazed seeing the dynamic change in the psalmist, causing many to put their trust in You, (verse 3).

Lord, how many could substitute their name for the psalmist and the story would be the same? I certainly could. You know me, Lord. I so easily can get in the way. When I do, just move me to the side.

Amen.