WEEK Four & Five-GOD RESTORES
This week we focused on how God restores our self-image with His truth. Here’s the recap!
Day 1. Psalm 139:1-6
Psalm 139 lets us know that God sees everything we do. He knows everything about us, even every thought before we think them. God extends an invitation to us to be our authentic selves. We don’t have to hide or feel embarrassed to come before Him because He lovingly bids us to come into His presence and be open and honest.
Day 2. Psalm 139:7-12
God’s presence with us is a treasure. No matter where we go or what we do, we can’t escape His watchful presence. Even the darkness does not intimidate His omnipotence. He is in control.
Day 3. Psalm 139:13-16
Psalm 139 can restore our image of ourselves. Life has a way of trying to shape our identity. We spin our wheels trying to fight lies that are inadequate or less than when God has told us in His Word that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. He shaped us and fashioned us to be uniquely beautiful! He created us in excellence, even down to the smallest detail! And that is something to praise God for. YOU are something to praise God for.
Day 4. Psalm 139:17-18
Yes, God knows the good, the bad, and the oh, so awful things about us that we hide so well. But He still loves us immensely. His thoughts about us are precious. They are thoughts of peace and not evil. He gives us hope for our future. He constantly reminds us of who we are in Him no matter where we are. His grace is breathtaking.
Day 5. Psalm 139:23-24
Vulnerability can be scary. When you invite someone into your heart, a protected space, you leave yourself open to scrutiny and judgment that you may not always want to hear. Asking God to search your heart involves vulnerability. He knows what is in your heart already, but by inviting Him in, you are asking Him to show YOU what is in your heart. He will reveal some things you know you’ve been battling with and some things you didn’t know were there at all. In that place of vulnerability, He will show you, clean you and direct you in His ways.
Day 6. Philippians 4:6-7
Sometimes anxieties arise as an overwhelming distraction. The authenticity that the Lord desires is freeing. He frees us to come and ask for the things we need. We can pray to Him and feel the Father’s beautiful love reaching back to us. He will give you peace and keep your hearts and mind.
Day 7. Philippians 4:8-9
The Word gives us a way to deal with anxieties that overwhelm us. You cannot always control your thoughts, but you can control what you dwell on. Philippians 4:8 lists several categories of things you should meditate on; things that are good, worthy of praise, trustworthy, honorable, right, pure, beautiful, and respected. The God who gives peace will be with you.
Day 8. Psalm 121:1-4
God is the source of ALL of our help. He created Heaven and Earth with the Words from His mouth. So, He has the power and ability to help when we face any trouble. The Lord does not slumber or sleep. Instead, His loving, watchful gaze is always on us. He will not let us be shaken or defeated.
Day 9. Psalm 121:5-6
The Creator of Heaven and Earth even protects us from natural elements. Neither the sun or the moon can harm us. His care is that encompassing and true. We can cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Since He cares that much for us, we should let Him carry our burdens and our cares.
Day 10. Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord’s protection is not only for our physical bodies, but for our entire life. God will preserve our very soul if we receive Jesus as Savior.
I am so grateful to have spent this Summer in the Psalms. I know that summer is not yet over, so go ahead and continue to enjoy the beauty of the Psalms, part of God’s beautiful treasure that is the Word of God. Next month, we will shift our focus to a new theme, Hope, the Anchor for Our Souls!
Your friend in the journey,
Erica
