April 28, 2016
“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.” Psalm 145:1-3 Message
How often does your day begin in praise .. not just a quick thanks .. but real praise? It requires space .. interior space .. where you fill it with thanks-giving to God. Why such praise to fill your day? Because He is the Lord who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness .. good to all .. and His mercies are over all His works”. He is the One who has all the time needed for someone “down on their luck” .. unable to find praise beneath the pain and doubt. He is the God of the “fresh start”. You don’t have to have it all together. You don’t have to memorize a script to get an answer or the help you need. Not everyday begins with praise .. but there is space in everyday to fill your lungs with praise. It is a moment to breathe the fresh oxygen of grace in a toxic depleting world. There is so much lined up against you giving God praise: distractions .. last minute interruptions .. media minefields .. the lack of genuinely giving thanks .. a quiet guilt from not doing enough .. and the closet of unresolved issues that pops open when you turn your focus on the Lord. Jesus used a quiet place .. a time undisturbed by other .. and cultivated a thankful heart. He’ll do the same in you. Because joy and thankfulness are part of his interior decoration in your life. Invite Him in. Or maybe just tell Him you’re getting out of His way. You don’t have to fear or worry. Mercy is over all His work in you. He knows exactly where to start. He’s not just waiting on you .. He’s ready with a fresh start .. today. It only takes a moment …
“God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.” Ps. 145:14 Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to mercifully-revived followers of Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
