THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, June 21, 2024

Lord, you taught the psalmist your eternal truths. People considered him anointed with your wisdom and favor. As a leader, he acknowledged your divine intervention when facing challenges beyond his level of management. Many of his psalms describe his pleas for wisdom to defeat his physical and spiritual enemies. In turn, he taught those in his sphere of influence to call on you in times of need. And just as important, if not more so, not to neglect calling on you in times of plenty.  

But like so many, the psalmist’s life wasn’t always spiritual wine and roses. His periods of rebellion hindered your blessings. Ignoring you brought him enormous embarrassment and loss of respect. The good news: he came to his senses, and you led him back to the right path. I can see him humbled, repentant before you, crying for mercy. Countless scores of folks relate to the psalmist’s condition. Count me in.

“Teach me your decrees, O Lord: I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart” (Psalm 119:33–34 NLT).

I love the psalmist’s prayer. May I echo the same prayer.

Teach me your ways, Lord. Correct my wrong preconceived impressions of those who are my political opposite. Open my understanding of your Word. I can make all the promises in the world to you, Lord, but if I don’t have your help, I cannot fully obey your instructions. I need a double portion of your grace if I’m to obey and order my life according to your Word.

Amen, Jesus.