Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
In the Psalms: Part Two
In her recent book, Mostly What God Does, Savannah Guthrie shares insights she has learned about God. This series of essays describes experiences that have impacted Guthrie’s spiritual experience. Her key takeaway: mostly what God does is love you.
She rediscovered this during her first day as co-anchor of the Today Show while dealing with a blinding migraine. She prayed as she was lying on the floor in a darkened room. In that moment, God brought to mind a scripture she had memorized years before, “I lift my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” [Psalm 121:1-2 NIV].
The text, she says, brought confidence–not in herself, but in God.
Final events can bring feelings of uncertainty and worry. How do we make the transition from fear to confidence in God? Does it have anything to do with expressing gratitude?
A meme on social media poses the question, “What if you only had today the things you thanked God for yesterday?” This sentiment may seem to laugh in the face of the person who feels anxious. But let’s not be hasty in dismissing the thought of gratitude when we are bombarded with anxiety-producing information.
John C. Maxwell, The New York Times bestselling author, has a positivity rule for himself. No matter what the conversation, he will say something encouraging to the person within the first 30 seconds. He might note an accomplishment, a social media posting, or give a compliment.
Maxwell says, “Those who add to us, draw us to them. Those who subtract cause us to withdraw.” He recognizes that in both professional and social situations, people tend to experience a burst of energy when they hear something encouraging.
Sharing positive words may not be encouraging only to the person receiving them. It’s possible that speaking uplifting thoughts also affects the person saying them.
And if sharing gratitude, or something positive, something good, can make a difference in daily conversations, can it also make a difference in our conversations with God? What happens in our brains when we express gratitude?
In her article “7 Ways Gratitude Rewires Your Brain: The Science Behind a Powerful Practice,” Nina Green, a counselor specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy, describes seven ways in which gratitude rewires the human brain.
One of Green’s seven steps, Strengthening Neural Pathways, describes how through neuroplasticity, our brains can reorganize and frame new connections.
She summarizes, “Gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a powerful tool that can literally reshape how our brains function.”
Her findings support Maxwell’s belief that gratitude improves relationships.
And it makes sense that if gratitude works with humans, who are made in God’s image, then it also applies to our relationship with our Creator.
By expressing gratitude to God, we open ourselves to deeper and more meaningful communication which leads to a stronger connection.
And the Scriptures reveal that to be true, even when situations seem too perilous to stir gratitude.
This week we study Revelation 14, which describes supernatural events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus. God has told us what is going to happen. We serve a God who is leading through tumultuous times.
Another passage, 1 Thessalonians 4, provides the beautiful portrayal of Jesus’ Second Coming, when we, along with those who have died, are caught up in the clouds to be with the Lord forever. Again, God tells us what is going to happen, and knowing that, we can thank God for telling us what is going to happen and for being with us every step of the journey.
In light of these promises, it becomes easier to approach a chaotic world with calm. In that calmness, we can move from fear to confidence, being grateful for God’s leading, God’s presence, God’s salvation.
For Reflection
Connecting: The Psalms give us assurance that God is a keeper of promises, that God is trustworthy. Have you found God to be dependable? Share how you have found God to be reliable even in difficult circumstances.
Sharing: Psalm 46 reveals the character of God and how God relates to us. In studying this passage, what can one understand about God?
- God can be trusted. God is strong and ready to rescue.
- God, although powerful, is tender in dealing with us.
- God’s love for us is shown in the way we are accepted in our weakness.
- God can be impatient and exacting in dealing with us.
- Even nature is not as powerful as God.
- Other:
Applying: Prayerfully consider the message in Psalm 46:2 and Psalm 46:10. Ask God to show you opportunities to share this confidence in God with someone who might be struggling because of personal, financial, or political situations.
Valuing: Find your quiet place and read Psalm 75 in several different versions. Which version is your favorite? The CEV reads, “Our God, we thank you for being so near to us! Everyone celebrates your wonderful deeds.” How could you respond to God? You might write a brief poem or a few sentences. Perhaps you could sketch a favorite item or scene thanking God.
~ Joy Veverka
|
| The Psalms help us to remember God’s promises, rest in the peace of knowing God is with us, and joyfully worship. How do you feel when reading the Psalms?
Reference: Lifeway Research Insights |
|
|
The Center for Creative Ministry is fully recognized by the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; it is also a 501c3 nonprofit organization which makes donations tax deductible in the U.S.
