The process of “letting God in” on every detail of life is one I need.In the busy, indus

The process of “letting God in” on every detail of life is one I need.In the busy, industrialized modern world, we tend to compartmentalize our lives.We fill our days with activities –getting the car repaired, taking vacations, going to work, mowing the lawn, chauffeuring the kids –& then try and carve out some time for spiritual activities such as church, small groups, & personal devotions.I see none of that separation in the Psalms.Somehow, David and the other poets managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything related to God.To them, worship was the central activity in life, not something to get over in order to resume other activities.I am learning this new process of reorientation & the Psalms has become for me a step in the process of reorganizing God’s true place at the gravitational center.…Psalms is quoted in the New Testament more than any other book.The Son of God on earth did likewise, relying on them as the language of relationship between a human being & God.I am sure that making the Psalms my own prayers will require a life long commitment.I sense in them an urgency, a desire & a hunger for God that makes my own look anemic by contrast.The Psalmist panted for God with their tongues hanging out, as an exhausted deer pants for water.They lay awake at night dreaming of “the fair beauty of the Lord.”They would rather spend one day in God’s presence than a thousand years elsewhere.It was the advanced school of faith that these poets were enrolled in, & often I feel more like a kindergartener.In reading the Psalms maybe some of it will rub off.–Philip Yancey / The Bible Jesus ReadPsalm 42As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.I thirst for God, the Living God.When can I go and stand before Him?Day & night I have only tears for food,while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,“Where is this God of yours?”My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be:I walked among the crowds of worshipers,leading a great procession to the house of God,singing for joy & giving thanksamid the sound of a great celebration!Why am I discouraged?Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God!I will praise Him again—my Savior & my God!Now I am deeply discouraged,but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,from the land of Mount Mizar.I hear the tumult of the raging seasas your waves and surging tides sweep over me.But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me,& through each night I sing His songs,praying to God who gives me life.“O God my rock,” I cry,“Why have you forgotten me?Why must I wander around in grief,oppressed by my enemies?”Their taunts break my bones.They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”Why am I discouraged?Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God!I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! -- source link

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