A Devo From Scot - Psalm 94
Dear Church,
Have you ever noticed the very large difference between the thoughts your heart screams at a particular moment of anxiety or conflict and the perspective you have on that same moment a few days or weeks later? I have. This outlook-delta seems endemic to the human condition. And I don’t believe there is a vaccine or cure beyond the full redemption of our bodies and minds, the redemption that is only found in the unfiltered presence and power of Jesus Christ.
But what if there is a salve or balm or bandage that can minimize the effects of this gap until it is fully taken away? I, for one, would be very interested, mostly because I have become too familiar with the weight this gap applies to my heart. Needless weight in many situations. Fear, doubt, confusion and dis-concentration.
The Psalmists seem to visit and revisit this idea often throughout the book. But I want to draw your attention today to Psalm 94. Take a moment to read it today. As you do you will notice a significant arc in its content and trajectory. It begins hard, harsh and heavy. It ends in a similar place, although noticeably lighter. The middle is the heart of it. Among many others, the Divine teaching in Psalm 94 that I want to draw your attention to is the power of remembering. Memory, when applied to the active present - the time when memory is most often dismissed - is God’s gift of living faith. It helps your soul rise above the moment at hand, without being removed from it.
Look at verses 17-23, the end of Psalm 94. “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I should say, ‘My foot has slipped,’ Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul… the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of m y refuge. …the LORD our God will destroy [evil and bring justice].”
Pay attention to the verb tenses. The LORD “has been my stronghold.” The LORD our God “will destroy” evil and bring justice to light. His consolations delight my soul, right now.
Next time you enter the fray - small or large, critical or trivial, slight blood pressure increase or full-blown panic attack - remind your soul of God’s presence NOW, right now, with you. Then remind your soul of God’s power THEN, back then, always. You’ve seen it when you look back on tough situations. Bring that outlook to the present - close the gap - and grab His hand in the middle of the shadow. He’s there with you.
I love you church,
Scot
Have you ever noticed the very large difference between the thoughts your heart screams at a particular moment of anxiety or conflict and the perspective you have on that same moment a few days or weeks later? I have. This outlook-delta seems endemic to the human condition. And I don’t believe there is a vaccine or cure beyond the full redemption of our bodies and minds, the redemption that is only found in the unfiltered presence and power of Jesus Christ.
But what if there is a salve or balm or bandage that can minimize the effects of this gap until it is fully taken away? I, for one, would be very interested, mostly because I have become too familiar with the weight this gap applies to my heart. Needless weight in many situations. Fear, doubt, confusion and dis-concentration.
The Psalmists seem to visit and revisit this idea often throughout the book. But I want to draw your attention today to Psalm 94. Take a moment to read it today. As you do you will notice a significant arc in its content and trajectory. It begins hard, harsh and heavy. It ends in a similar place, although noticeably lighter. The middle is the heart of it. Among many others, the Divine teaching in Psalm 94 that I want to draw your attention to is the power of remembering. Memory, when applied to the active present - the time when memory is most often dismissed - is God’s gift of living faith. It helps your soul rise above the moment at hand, without being removed from it.
Look at verses 17-23, the end of Psalm 94. “If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence. If I should say, ‘My foot has slipped,’ Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up. When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul… the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of m y refuge. …the LORD our God will destroy [evil and bring justice].”
Pay attention to the verb tenses. The LORD “has been my stronghold.” The LORD our God “will destroy” evil and bring justice to light. His consolations delight my soul, right now.
Next time you enter the fray - small or large, critical or trivial, slight blood pressure increase or full-blown panic attack - remind your soul of God’s presence NOW, right now, with you. Then remind your soul of God’s power THEN, back then, always. You’ve seen it when you look back on tough situations. Bring that outlook to the present - close the gap - and grab His hand in the middle of the shadow. He’s there with you.
I love you church,
Scot