Advent For Those Grieving | No. 14
ADVENT DAY FOURTEEN
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.Psalm 103:1-5
FORGET NOT HIS GOOD
In the midst of pain and brokenness and loss it is incredibly hard to praise the One who could have stopped such pain and brokenness and loss. God does not cause our suffering but He does, in His sovereignty, allow it to happen. Although this idea can feel like betrayal by God it reveals a characteristic of Him that brings hope - He is not surprised by our suffering, He is never not in control, He is never not working to bring about redemption. And if we can praise Him even when it is hard and impossible something will shift in our hearts - we will remember His goodness, His benefits, all the ways He has worked in our lives.
"Forget not His benefits" reminds me of the lyrics in the song "I Lift My Hands" by Chris Tomlin:
I lift my hands to believe againYou are my refuge, You are my strengthAs I pour out my heart, these things I rememberYou are faithful, God, forever
One tangible way to find hope amidst loss and pain is to remind our hearts of God's tangible goodness in our lives and of His character.
THE PROMISE
Our God is good and loving and powerful and He is always working to bring about redemption. He forgives all your iniquity, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, and He satisfies you with good.
PRAYER
Father, remind my heart of your goodness, of your benefits, of all that You have done to bring about redemption in my life. Thank you for being a God that is attentive and knowing and in control. Father would you bring about hope and peace in my heart this Christmas season as I think on your benefits. Help me believe again.
