I Need a Minute...

One of my favorite Bible heroes is David. From his humble beginnings as a shepherd to one of the most renowned kings in history, David is described as a "man after God's own heart." God didn't change His opinion of David when he sinned. Because David repented and turned back to God, he was able to be used throughout his life. 

But have you ever read Psalms? David is credited with writing most of the Psalms, and his emotions are all over the place! Maybe this is one reason I can identify with David. He poured his heart out onto the pages of this book. 

PSALM 103

of David

1Praise the Lord, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

3who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

5who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

7He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:

8The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

15The life of mortals is like grass,

they flourish like a flower of the field;

16the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

17But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children—

18with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

19The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

22Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

David covers a lot of territory in these twenty-two verses. From physically going through the motion of praising, he then gives clear reasoning for praising God. I want to be like David and recognize that praise brings me out of the pit. 

So, I find my sword, and I begin studying. I tune out everything else and listen for the voice of Truth. I worship God because He is always worthy of worship, even when my circumstances threaten to drown me. I remind myself of God's promises that have been fulfilled in my life, and I give my soul so many reasons to praise that victory is inevitable. 

I need a minute to praise the Mighty One who has everything under control. Give me a second to let Him still my heart and mind. Allow me some time to remind my soul to praise God in all things. Sit tight while I remember all the goodness He has blessed me with. I take a "praise pause" so that my mind, emotions, and body can be renewed as He would see fit and in His timing. 

If you are discouraged or tired, I would like to encourage you to read this Psalm every day.  Be encouraged, friend. Take a minute to re-group, and then begin praising God for His faithfulness.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.