Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

December 2, 2016


Quiet Conversations

Read: Psalm 116:5–9 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 42–44; 1 John 1
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Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2

Do you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes when I’m working on a project—usually under the hood of a car—I find it helpful to think aloud, working through my options on the best way to make the repair. If someone catches me in my “conversation” it can be a little embarrassing—even though talking to ourselves is something most of us do every day.

The psalmists often talked to themselves in the Psalms. The author of Psalm 116 is no exception. In verse 7 he writes, “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Reminding himself of God’s kindness and faithfulness in the past is a practical comfort and help to him in the present. We see “conversations” like this frequently in the Psalms. In Psalm 103:1 David tells himself, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” And in Psalm 62:5 he affirms, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”

Reminding ourselves about God's goodness can keep us filled with His peace.
It’s good to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. We can follow the example of the psalmist and spend some time naming the many ways God has been good to us. As we do, we’ll be encouraged. The same God who has been faithful in the past will continue His love for us in the future.
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**Dear Lord, please help me to stay in touch with Your heart today by reminding myself of Your faithfulness and love.

**Reminding ourselves about God’s goodness can keep us filled with His peace.

************************Today’s Bible Reading __ John 1:1-14******************************

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the
beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without
him nothing was made that has been made. 5 The light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming
into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world
was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He
came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive
him. 13 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed
in his name, He gave the right t obecome children of God...

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
We have seeh his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who
came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

INSIGHT:
From this marvelous passage of Scripture, we can see the truth that bringing the God of the Bible into our daily experience alters our perspective. His grace and truth is available in our ever-changing circumstances. Even in our most difficult life circumstances, He is present and available to deliver us. Although our heart may endure trauma, it can still find a place to rest through looking at the past faithfulness of God. Fear of death, emotional anguish, and the struggle for daily direction all find their remedy in the faithful care of the living God who made us. Life for God’s children should be spelled with a capital L since He energizes, directs, and protects us.

By James Banks