The past months have been challenging in my life. For a variety of reasons, it’s been to tough to stay encouraged and motivated to do what’s right. There’s been a bit of soul-searching to figure out what’s going on.
I read these verses this morning and think they shed some light on stuff.
Psalm 89:15-17
“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD.
16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.
17 You are their glorious strength. Our power is based on your favor.”
The idea here is that when we respond to the call to worship the LORD–when we WORSHIP Him, there is happiness and strength. In light of my experience, this resounds as true, but I often let my circumstances eclipse this truth.
I heard a message by John Piper a couple months ago that talked about (more or less) worship being the key to true mental health. How true that is. When our focus is set completely on ourselves, it’s hard not to get stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, confused, etc. because all we can see is ourselves: our needs, our problems, our strength (or lack thereof)… you get the idea. When we’re willing to let our focus shift off of ourselves and on to our glorious and merciful God whose loving-kindness never fails, whose power never ends, and whose wisdom is infinite… When we do this, we find freedom. It’s true freedom, though, which is not doing whatever we want, but rather being liberated from our own spiritual or moral to-do lists because we’re trusting God to take care of our needs.
Yeah, so it’s good here I think.
(For a little related goodness check out: Hebrews 1:9)