Then Sings My Soul - Cries Of The Heart From The PsalmsÀpẹrẹ
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is in me the worship of false gods, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Oh God, You know every minute detail of who I am, how I feel, what I think, and all I do. You know my habits, the things I find challenging and those secret dreams I keep hidden in my heart. You know all the things within me that I don’t even know are there! Indeed, Your knowledge of me runs so deep it is unfathomable for me to wrap my mind around! No place within me or without is off limits to Your all-pervasive presence. You knew me before I had form and have been thinking about me every second of every day since. I owe every breath to You so I pledge every part of me to Your service. Bring to the surface all I can’t see, and continue to work Your transformation until I am whole!
Application: How are you letting Him attend to your soul?
One positive note of daily life being simplified and slowed down for some is the opportunity that gives for increased time to sit and listen. Suspending our own agendas to truly hear where another person is at, shows genuine care and helps one to feel heard. Often, this means we must first stop to be present to our internal state. The external noise of busy lives often keeps us from noticing the still, small voice of the Spirit speaking to us. What might it look like to quiet yourself and ask Him to show you what’s there? And once He shows you, how might you allow Him to minister His presence in that place?
Kids tip: Take your kids outside and have them sit down somewhere comfortable. Tell them you’re going to do a listening exercise for 5 minutes with total silence and to try not to wiggle too much. Tell them to just notice what they see, hear, feel and smell. After 5 minutes is up, ask them to share their observations. Do they think they would have noticed those same things if they were busy playing?
Song suggestion: Communion – Maverick City Music
Ìwé mímọ́
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
Is your soul weary from this challenging season? Are you thirsty for the refreshment of God's Presence? Have your feelings run the gamut between discouragement, anger, gratitude and joy? Allow paraphrased prayers of the psalmists to help you voice the various themes of your heart...your "soul songs"...to the One who hears. Deepen your interaction with Him through reflective questions and song suggestions. Even engage your kids with tangible application tips!
More