Psalm 71

We have so much to praise God for. We could praise Him for eternity and never run out. Here, the author is praising God for being, “upheld from birth. You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.” (verse 6). Amen to that! We can praise God for letting us be born and every day of life He grants us. It also makes me think- am I living a life that is worthy of being sustained by God?

Psalm 71:20-21, “You, who have shown my great and severe troubles shall revive me again and bring me up again from the depths of the Earth. You shall increase my greatness and comfort me on every side.” Our only hope is in God, so when we are down in the dumps, what else can we do but pray to the Lord? This verse did make me think of Jesus- who went through great and severe trouble but was revived again (literally). Jesus showed us how God loves His children and we can always count on Him.

A note in my bible from the editor- Charles F. Stanley- for Psalm 71:24 says, “…we usually love speaking about what gives us joy…” so we should talk about God all the time. But then I thought, “Do we love talking about joyful things?” Maybe that is one way the devil has grabbed hold of our society- good news is boring news. People want drama, bad news, tragedy, etc. If our culture is primed to only discuss negatives then the topic of God is almost automatically shut out because no one wants to talk about the good stuff. My eyes have been opened this morning! How often do I just go along with a negative conversation because that’s what is culturally appropriate? Why do I feel like a bore if all in my life is well? Admittedly (and regretfully), when I had my car accident I did think, “well, now I’ll have something to talk about.” Why?!? Why do we love bad news? Because if we love bad news then we won’t share the good news of Jesus! The enemy is to blame for this. Thank you Lord for revealing this to me. Please help me be someone who shares good news and doesn’t delight in drama.

Not coincidentally, my pregnancy prayer card for today was on the topice of renewing my mind.

Philippians 4:8, “Finally, bretheren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatver things are pure, whatever things are lively, whatever things are of good report. If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things.”

This reiterates the brain blast I just had about talking about good things and joyful things and not being a part of this society who relish in bad news.

Also, Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Yes, God has a theme for me today- and that is to renew my mind and focus on the goodness that is God. Holy Spirit, please help transform my heart and mind so that I may be a light unto others and not be conformed to this world. Thank you for your forgivness and your help, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.