Bless the Lord Scotty (plug in your name) “Let everything I am praise (extol, exalt, worship) the Lord/ With my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he (has done) and does for me” (Psalm 103:1-4)
Jesus, when it comes to spiritual warfare, no “artillery” is more effective than learning to preach the Gospel to ourselves. Not standing in front of a mirror, but as we stand in your grace, slowly savoring every good thing we have in you. We are always rehearsing, remembering, ruminating on something—why not make it the riches of your grace?
Gospel-forgetfulness, an unguarded malnourished heart, “comparisonism,” judgmentalism, ingratitude, fear, envy—these 7 peace-saboteurs, joy-assassins constantly attack our hearts. In our most Gospel-sane moments, we know the things for which we can be/should be grateful outnumber our heart-vexing stuff 10 to 1… make that 100 to 1.
For starters, here’s five: (1) Total forgiveness. (2) Your perfect righteousness counted as ours. (3) Adoption and belovedness as Abba’s children. (4) The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (5) No fear of death and citizenship in heaven. What the heck, let’s bump this list up to 7 too. (6) Your constant love for us and delight in us. (7) Your commitment to return and finish making all things new, including us.
Jesus, if these 7 (of many more) Gospel-realities preoccupy our hearts… the devil will run, our fears will shrink, our hearts will soar, our kindness will overflow, and our peace will be more constant. But above all this good stuff, you will be blessed. Astonishing… we can actually bless you—the One from whom all blessings flow. So Very Amen.
