Reading:-Psalm 32:4

“For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.”

Reflection

What is your image, or experience, of God? Is He the remote deity who sits upon the clouds keeping a record of our misdoings ready for the final judgement day? Or is He the loving Heavenly Father who in the parable of the Prodigal Son who run us out to greet us as we return home? Depending upon your image or experience these words from Psalm 32 will have a different meaning. If your picture of God is the remote deity, then the heavy hand to which the psalmist refers will be that of a stern, judgemental God who loves to punish and make things hard for us. If it the latter, then you will know that the heavy hand is one of love and forgiveness and there to help.
Some years ago, there was a popular song that had the refrain:
I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine.
There’s gotta be a little rain some time
Life is not always a bed of roses. It can be tough and we might, like Jesus on the cross, wonder if God has forsaken us. There are times when our faith and trust in God will be tested but, in those times, we have the opportunity to put our roots deeper rather than shrivel up and die. Often, we labour in our own strength rather than tap into the supernatural energy that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes “the heavens are as brass” and prayers appear not to be heard, let alone answered. It is in those times that we need to allow our roots to go deep and find that supernatural reservoir, and to remind ourselves that there will be “streams in the desert” once more as God pours out his love, grace and mercy upon us.

Spiritual Exercise

These images and experiences will not only impact upon our own personal walk with God but also the way in which we respond to situations we face in our daily lives. Jesus offers the way to know the true Father. The next verse of this Psalm speaks of the need to acknowledge our sins and receive God’s forgiveness. Let us receive that offer and put our lives in His hands both in the good times and the bad. On a practical note, you might find Pete Greig’s “God On Mute” helpful reading material. It is engaging, easy to read, and might even change your perception of God.

Music

Have a listen to this great songs as you think about today’s reflection

Digging Deeper

Feeling motivated to start a journey of growing in Christ? Is it possible to do this and what does this all mean? Here is another resources about following Christ and growing in him:

https://www.fromhisheart.org/why-jesus/how-can-i-grow-in-christ

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