I was in the Amazon brick and mortar bookstore in Seattle this past December with a friend. We roamed around for a bit, marveling at the sight of an actual bookstore. Neither of us could remember when we had been in one last. I have borrowed or purchased all my books online for the past few years, so I really have no idea when I last flipped through the pages of pretty books on shelves.
I felt compelled to purchase something, I mean I was there after all! Upon the recommendation of my friend I bought a book of devotions based on Psalms. I'll spare you the title because last time I suggested a daily devotional, things went wonky in my life for a bit.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each day's reading includes at least 3-4 verses from a Psalm, sometimes more, a brief commentary and a prayer. I have a history with the author of this book so I had a feeling I would love it, and I do. I also really appreciate that the actual verses are there and not just a reference and that it is a significant chunk of verses not just five words.
A few days ago I read Psalm 39:1-13. It s kind of a complaint letter of sorts. We've all been there right? Except my complaint letters or prayers are never quite as eloquent as King David's.
The commentary from this particular day struck me.
"God not only allows his creatures to complain to him he actually records those ills in his word."
Mind blown.
If you believe, as I do, that the scriptures included in what we call the Bible are ordained by God himself then you must realize that God was the big editor-in-chief of the manuscript. He got to decide what was included and what was not. He totally could have left out these passages where his people are pretty mad at him and giving him a piece of their mind.
This is the little tidbit that blew my mind. God allowed these complaints to be recorded in scripture for all humanity to read. Derek Kidner writes "The very presence of such prayers in Scripture is a witness to His understanding. He knows how men speak when they are desperate."
God wants a relationship with us, not just when we are happy, or scared, when we need direction or we are thankful for his blessings, he wants to hear from us when we are mad at him too. The inclusion of people's anger is like a permission slip for us to vent to God as well. So cry out in your despair. Its Biblical.
I felt compelled to purchase something, I mean I was there after all! Upon the recommendation of my friend I bought a book of devotions based on Psalms. I'll spare you the title because last time I suggested a daily devotional, things went wonky in my life for a bit.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each day's reading includes at least 3-4 verses from a Psalm, sometimes more, a brief commentary and a prayer. I have a history with the author of this book so I had a feeling I would love it, and I do. I also really appreciate that the actual verses are there and not just a reference and that it is a significant chunk of verses not just five words.
A few days ago I read Psalm 39:1-13. It s kind of a complaint letter of sorts. We've all been there right? Except my complaint letters or prayers are never quite as eloquent as King David's.
The commentary from this particular day struck me.
"God not only allows his creatures to complain to him he actually records those ills in his word."
Mind blown.
If you believe, as I do, that the scriptures included in what we call the Bible are ordained by God himself then you must realize that God was the big editor-in-chief of the manuscript. He got to decide what was included and what was not. He totally could have left out these passages where his people are pretty mad at him and giving him a piece of their mind.
This is the little tidbit that blew my mind. God allowed these complaints to be recorded in scripture for all humanity to read. Derek Kidner writes "The very presence of such prayers in Scripture is a witness to His understanding. He knows how men speak when they are desperate."
God wants a relationship with us, not just when we are happy, or scared, when we need direction or we are thankful for his blessings, he wants to hear from us when we are mad at him too. The inclusion of people's anger is like a permission slip for us to vent to God as well. So cry out in your despair. Its Biblical.
And here's an unrelated gem for you today
"I halt in pace - yet I creep to the throne of grace" George Herbert.
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