Enough about me, let’s talk about you
Every day we’re asking four questions about part of the Bible. Today Bern Leckie answers:
What did I like about today’s passage?
It’s fair to come to the Bible looking for guidance, relevant words with some recognition of us and our situations. There are certainly lots of Psalms like 102 which start where we are, or might be some other time, and take us on journeys into God’s presence.
But I love today’s Psalms for something else. They aren’t about me as much as they are about God. Instead of focusing on human problems, they shine with God’s glory.
So, are these just from and for people who are finding that life is going great? Far from it. I love the theme of forgiveness and healing running through Psalm 103, especially in the key central lines: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
By focusing on praising God, I love that the writer gets to see far beyond their own life and circumstances, gets over the need to justify themselves to God or try to plead innocence to get themselves out of trouble. Looking at God in a broader way, we get to see the heights, depths and immeasurable volume of his love.
Our eyes need to be taken off ourselves to appreciate God’s work everywhere else, like in Psalm 104. These are bold statements, crediting God for all sorts of wonders in nature. Just because we know lots of the science of geology, water cycles and astronomy, it doesn’t mean we can’t keep a sense of awe or acknowledge the creator.
When we do this, it could change our world. If you’re looking for some inspiration for how a big view of science and God together with careful observation of humble plants can lead to a complete revolution in how we understand ourselves, look up Gregor Mendel.
But if all we do today is look up at God’s wonder and thank him, I think that’s enough!
What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?
God loves us and wants to know him. He encourages us not just to focus on ourselves but also on him, so that we can start to know how much we are loved and appreciate the huge scope of God’s forgiveness, as well as the wide world of freedom he opens up for us.
By changing our focus, God can also help us to see the world the way he sees it, expanding our hope and sense of possibility. Maybe he’ll use us for incredible things tomorrow. Today, it could simply be enough to be in his presence, connected with his awesome creation.
What am I going to do differently as a result?
Enjoy relationship with God, being in his presence and praising him today!
Who am I going to share this with?
My wife. It’s our wedding anniversary today, and we’ll remember how we praised and credited God on the day we chose to commit to each other with his strength and love.