Psalm 65

S: v. 3 - Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.

O: This is definitely a psalm of praise! David points out how God provides, forgives, answers prayer, brings joy, brings rain... This serves as a reminder of all the awesome things that God does, sometimes daily. Even though we sometimes forget that we are supposed to live righteously, and we fall short daily, God is faithful to forgive us. Even when we are drowning in a seemingly limitless pit of sin and shame, He forgives it all. We just need to go directly to Him.

A: I think it's really easy to get caught up in the day to day. It's also really easy for me to forget that I am forgiven. My mind likes to take that one thing where I feel like I messed up, and play it over and over again. This causes anxiety, anger, disappointment in myself, and sometimes huge amounts of guilt. Yesterday something happened at work, and I didn't do anything blatantly wrong, but I left the office feeling like a co-worker might be upset with me for a misunderstanding. My brain just kept playing the scene on repeat...so I am choosing now to admit that though I may feel overwhelmed, I am forgiven. God judges my heart, and He knows where I stand. Even on those days when I get frustrated and my intentions aren't good, He still judges my heart, but with compassion and mercy through the forgiveness of the cross. And in this moment, I am remembering that I am insanely grateful.

P: God, guard my heart today, and remind me of your forgiveness. Let my day sing a praise to you for all the ways that you have continually provided for my family day after day. Thank you for meeting all of our needs. Thank you for forgiveness when I fall short of where I should be. God, you are my hope. You are the reason I can go forward with a smile on my face. Make me an example of you.

Psalm 64 S.O.A.P.

S: v. 6 (AMP) "They think out acts of injustice and say, we have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep."

O: David is writing in response to Saul (and his army's) attacks on David's life. David has been hiding out in the mountains seeking refuge and safety. He didn't do anything wrong to warrant the attacks, yet still he is pursued. "They" here refers to his attackers. He's asked God for safety, but still looks at the way these attackers think. They think they have come up with a perfect plan. They think they have hidden their schemes well. And yet, David still perceives their plans. 

A: How often do I think out some kind of plan and then sit back and think how well thought out it is? It might not always be some kind of blatant 'act of injustice' that David is referring to. But maybe it is some kind of plan that will end up hurting someone else. Or making them feel less than loved. Maybe my well devised plan should have included someone but instead left that person out. Even David admits that each person's heart is 'unsearchable and deep.' Maybe it would be time better spent to search my own heart and deeds before acting on someone else's. Or maybe it would just be good to think through my own actions and find ways to show love and kindness. 

P: God, search my heart. Find those places in me that are self seeking. Those places that are aiming to harm someone else out of ill-will or contempt. Bring me back to the place where I just want to sit at your feet and soak in your presence. God, I welcome you into my office today. Guard my heart against any attacks that are aimed in my direction. Guard my tongue from saying things that are untrue or hurtful. Let me be a light in dark places. Let me walk in your peace. Guard my thoughts, Lord. Keep me safe from harm.