As I sit here this morning enjoying my second cup of coffee, I’m reflecting on today’s Bible reading (Psalm 145) and my life over the past week.
“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever” (v. 1-2).
I underlined the words “I will” in those verses.
This week had some ups and downs, wins and losses, joys and disappointments, advances and setbacks.
If I wait to see how things pan out before I decide to exalt, praise, and extol I lose perspective and allow feelings to be drivers instead of passengers.
Praise is a daily choice.
There are some circumstances FOR which I can’t bring myself to praise. However, there are no circumstances IN which God is not praiseworthy.
That’s where the daily decision comes in.
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I will proclaim your great deeds.They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (v. 4-7).
I got to spend a little extra time with two of my grandchildren on Thursday.
They spent the morning at Vacation Bible School and the afternoon at Grandpa & Sweetie’s house.
When I look at my grands (all 5 of them), I’m filled with love I never could have imagined a decade ago.
I’m also aware of the incredible privilege and responsibility I have to show them what God is like.
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (v. 8-9).
The Southern Baptist Convention met this week in Indianapolis. This is the first meeting of the SBC since 1985 that has not coincided with my being employed by an SBC church or association.
I have wished for 39 summers that the takeaway from the SBC annual meeting by the watching world would be a testimony of God’s grace, compassion, and love to ALL.
And, frankly, whether it’s a fair assessment or not, I’ve been disappointed for 39 summers.
So, I guess I can’t abdicate to anyone else my responsibility to point people to God’s grace, compassion, and love and remind them that.
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (v. 18).
God’s grace, compassion, and love do not remove the consequences of our choices. But He will draw near when we truthfully and sincerely call on Him.
God is good, y’all. All the time.
Be amazing this Saturday, my friend.
