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Face it!

August 26, 2021
Midweek study with Pastor Edith
Psalm 34

Scripture text: Premise: If you’re saved and you know it, then your face will surely show it. Have you ever sung the song; ”If you’re happy and you know it”?

I’ve been thinking that the troubles of the world and the people in it have been draining my joy. I sometimes wonder if being joyful in the midst of such turmoil is an affront to those who are suffering in way I could never imagine. Then, with the help of Max Lucado and my recent sermon series inspired by his book ; "Just like Jesus, and God’s Word", I decided to allow my worship of God, not just on Sunday morning, but every day, to decide for my face what it should look like.

Now, if you are the type of person who looks in the mirror and sees only flaws, acne, wrinkles, age spots (boy, am I showing my age now) etc…, then I want you to take a moment now and read this portion of Psalm 34 from The Message translation. Ask yourself, “do I feel this way?” and if not, why? Go ahead, read it. I even suggest you read it out loud. I will go a crazy step further and invite you to read it out loud in front of the mirror. Oh, go ahead, no one has to know but you and God. If you are on a break at work reading this, remind yourself to do it when you get home:

  1. “I bless God every chance I get;
 my lungs expand with his praise.
  2. I live and breathe God;
 if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy:
  3. Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.
  4. God met me more than halfway,
 he freed me from my anxious fears.
  5. Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
 Never hide your feelings from him.
  6. When I was desperate, I called out,
 and God got me out of a tight spot.
  7. God’s angel sets up a circle 
of protection around us while we pray.
  8. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
 how good God is.
 Blessed are you who run to him.
  9. Worship God if you want the best; 
worship opens doors to all his goodness…
  10. Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
 ready to rescue you.
  11. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
 if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.
  12. Disciples so often get into trouble;
 still, God is there every time.

Now, if you really want to grow through this meditation, print it out and underline the reasons there are to praise God. Put a circle or a box around the parts that really speak to you. Put this on the frame of your mirror and take time each day with it.

AMEN