We can change our outlook from being downcast to great joy by simply beginning our day with prayer and offering praises to our Lord. The mission of this blog is to offer opportunities to do just that along with ideas to better apply God’s Word in our life at work, at home, and within our neighborhoods. The questions for reflection for the study of Psalm 38-41 below will help bring out some thoughts and ideas over the next few weeks.
In this life we face hardships, anxiety, and mistrust which destroy our mental and physical health. Faith is the antidote to overcome because God’s love through Christ gives us hope for a bright future. What we face in life may keep us down at times but God will provide music for our ears, laughter for our souls, and a rainbow after every storm.
The psalmist experienced negative psychological implications for repressed sin. But once sins were confessed, a big weight was lifted from His shoulders. We can do the same and be restored to the joyous fellowship with God, yoked together with other believers, and guided along the path by the Holy Spirit.
Music is very important when praising the Lord. Listen to the song Starry Night by Chris August and be grateful that we have free access to our Creator because of Christ. Then everything is possible and things will fall into place for an amazing day.
We can also have confidence in God by seeking Him in everything we do. He will teach us in His Word, encourage us in our relationships, inspire us through His creation, and enthuse us with music.
There are situations we may face in life when confidence in God to deliver is needed. We may not be in physical danger like David was as expressed in his writing of the Psalms but we face our own enemies like health issues, the pressures of meeting the demands of work, family concerns, and the courage to stand up to misguided secular thought.
It may take some time, some work, and lots of patience but we can maintain the joy if we never give up and practice our faith. If we continue to grab the upper hand of God and enthusiastically express our appreciation for the freedom He gives us. This day with God we can step Ahead of hate, iniquity, and other corrupting influences in life that keep us down; instead desire the authenticity, sincerity and certainty that God provides. We can use technology to make a positive impact on our life. Just a click away are scriptures, sermons, Christian blogs, and uplifting music available from any place or any time just by using our phone.
The Lord speaks to us in various ways – visions, dreams, and life’s circumstances; even advice from others. Most of all, God speaks through the Bible. Thus, the main purpose of this blog is to study His Word with the intent to gain wisdom that we may apply in our own lives and also help others along the journey. He blesses those whose ways are upright. By following His way, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him.
The reading plan below will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing!
Questions for Reflection
Psalms 38
What is the psalmist’s external and internal condition? From whom does the psalmist expect relief? What part does the psalmist have in making his relief possible? What can you do today to find relief from the guilt of sin?
Psalms 39
How deeply does this affliction strike David? To whom does David turn? What is the difference in tones between the first and last parts of this psalm?
Psalms 40
How does the experience described in verses 1-5 seem to fulfill David’s requests in the two previous psalms? What can you learn from this passage on how to handle stress? What attitudes in life to sin, failure, and triumph does this psalm suggest as being appropriate?
Psalms 41
What are David’s problems? Have you ever experienced such deceit, gossip, and betrayal? Who upholds David? Why?
Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.
Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
