Re-Center Around God

Psalm 37:7-11

Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.

~ King David

Review

Review the week in light of David's recognition that anger and meekness don't go well together (see 37:11). Look at how you’ve been handling anger lately (maybe frustration, annoyance, or resentment are more descriptive words for you). The scriptures say man's anger does not bring about the righteousness of God" (James 1:20). So use the Repent if Necessary and Return as Necessary sections to do a self-examination with the Holy Spirit’s help:

Repent if Necessary

Do you have a short fuse in general? Or do you get angry with select people? Do you talk down to certain people (a possible indication you’re annoyed)? Do you get angry with God? Resentful of your situation? Consider the need to confess your unhelpful, unhealthy, and even sinful attitudes.

Return (as necessary)

Come to God and ask Him to clue you in on why certain people or situations disturb you. Don’t be afraid of this time with Him. Your Heavenly Father is very patient with you. AND ask Him to remind you of any unhealthy attitudes later. That way, in the heat of the moment, that you can learn to adjust – with the Spirit’s help – on the fly.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:73-80 10th letter: Yodh (י)

Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.
May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

Read the versus of the Psalm.

Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.

Teaching or Command of God

James 1:21

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

The Promise

Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

Pondering Point

What are your triggers, things that set you off or get you off your game? How can you face them in ways that allow you to keep delighting in God’s ways?