Tuesday, April 24, 2018

what?

As for me,

I am poor

& needy,

but the Lord is thinking about me

right now.

Psalm 40:17a (NLT, 1st ed.)



I remember the first time I read that verse in the NLT 1st edition.

It really rocked my world.

I was like a thunderbolt to my mind & spirit.

There was David, King of Israel, speaking a ridiculously profound truth, from his vantage point, 3000 years ago.

And that truth is that the God of the universes, who is blindingly holy, all power, eternal, & the very essence of love, was thinking about me right then.

I know that is a fantastic thought.

But if God is who He claims to be, then He is able to be & do that - to be thinking about me, personally, as well as the gajillion other people & things He's created.

Don't try to wrap your mind around how many people & things He has to think about at one time - it can short circuit your brain.

Instead, just center in on one thing - the God of the universes is thinking about you, & me - right. now.


I still can't really wrap my mind around that - I just kinda have to believe it without completely comprehending it.


But do this one thing for me today...

As you pass through your day today, whisper just this one thing to yourself (warning: the devil will try to whisper the exact opposite to you!):


God is aware of me, & He's is thinking about me right now


This isn't some kind of "positive thinking" claptrap.

It's just something we ought to remind ourselves of today.

Whisper that to yourself today, instead of all that other crap you say to yourself every day.


Do. it.


* * * * * * * * * * *

Btw, I don't think I've ever shared all of Psalm 40 in this blog before.

I mean, I didn't check back - I think I've written over 3000, so maybe I did back in the mists of the last 10-15 years.


Anyway, here's Psalm 40 - by King David, 3000 years ago...




Psalm 40

1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,

  and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
  out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
  and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
  a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
  They will put their trust in the LORD.

4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD,
  who have no confidence in the proud
  or in those who worship idols.
5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
  You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
  I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
  Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand*—
  you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, "Look, I have come.
  As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
  for your instructions are written on my heart."

9 I have told all your people about your justice.
  I have not been afraid to speak out,
  as you, O LORD, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
  I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
  of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

11 LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me.
  Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
  too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
  I can't see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
  I have lost all courage.

13 Please, LORD, rescue me!
  Come quickly, LORD, and help me.
14 May those who try to destroy me
  be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
  be turned back in disgrace.
15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
  for they said, "Aha! We've got him now!"

16 But may all who search for you
  be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
  repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!"
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
  but the Lord is thinking about me right now.
You are my helper and my savior.
  O my God, do not delay.

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