Minute Musings...Bless The Lord

Psalms 34:1  "I will bless the LORD at all times:  His praise shall continually be in
my mouth."

How many of us can honestly say that the Lord's praise is continually in our mouths?  If
we are completely honest with ourselves we will have to admit that complaining, and even
anger and bitterness take up some of what should be continuous praise to God.  You might
be thinking right about now, how I can praise God for the lousy things that happen to me?
It is really an easy thing, you stop focusing on the trial and set your eyes instead on your
sovereign Savior, who knows what is best for you.  Even trials have a purpose in our lives.
Trials show us that we cannot do things in our own strength, they drive us to our knees
and to the Throne of Grace where we have been promised all that we need in times of
distress.  Hebrews 4:16  "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

It is so easy to spiral down into the depressing attitude of "woe is me."  Nothing quenches
the Spirit of God more quickly than a misguided notion that we don't deserve whatever
is happening to us.  The truth of the matter is that God has ordered the paths of His
children.  Our heavenly Father has only our best in mind. Psalms 37:23  "The steps of
a good man are ordered by the LORD:" 

Consider for a moment our relationships with our children.  If we don't stand back and
let them fall, they will never learn to walk.  I know from experience how hard it is to just
stand by and watch them fail at something that you could have prevented...but what would
they have learned?  They mature and develop properly because of the obstacles that they
overcome.  It is the same with our loving heavenly Father.  He allows us to go through
storms of life in order to have us mature into strong, vibrant witness of His love, grace and
mercy.

Determine today to bless the Lord for all His wonderful blessings.  You cannot bless and
complain at the same time!  When you get your attitude right you will find that your whole
outlook changes;  it goes from inward to upward!

Psalms 103:1 & 2  "Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless
His holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

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