It had been one of those kind of days.
The kind of day which starts late because I stayed up too late and for some odd reason I am at odds with everyone. I stroll throughout the house overwhelmed and cranky; too much homework and too many undone projects remind me of my time-managing failures. The kind of day in which you desperately hope your spiritual friends decide (not to) give a ring.
The kind of day which starts late because I stayed up too late and for some odd reason I am at odds with everyone. I stroll throughout the house overwhelmed and cranky; too much homework and too many undone projects remind me of my time-managing failures. The kind of day in which you desperately hope your spiritual friends decide (not to) give a ring.
"Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For you have smitten all mine enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. "
Psalm 3:7
I'm not sure why my dad decided to pick up his devotional and read aloud this passage. All I know is that it was exactly what I needed to hear. Mind you, I did not particularly enjoy it but it was good.
"Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For you have smitten all mine enemies . . ."
My enemies? Were these foes flesh and blood? People I could blame for my ill temper? No, my enemies were unseen; they bury themselves below the surface and appear just in time to work my eyes, my voice, my heart against someone I'm supposed to love as myself. They're attitudes--mighty opponents.
"Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God!"
In that brief unexpected moment of Daddy's reading I realized who I was harboring. Enemies. Enemies of my family, of God, of myself. Wicked attitudes of strife, discord, and anger.
"You have shattered the teeth of the wicked."
I can't say my attitude was overthrown that moment. But I can say that God's word spoke and He gave me the tools to defeat my carnality. He gave me the grace to give a kind word, practice understanding, and to love.
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Psalm 3:3-4,7-8
Other newsworthy and exciting tidbits of life: my sister and momma both had a birthday this week! Mustaches were a required item in order to enjoy the 21 year-old's birthday meal. And yes, I realize that I bear a remarkable resemblance to Einstein's nephew. Please do not rub it in. :-)
Thank you so much for this post, Frannie - praise the Lord for His help on your rough day. It's so easy to let those enemies of irritability and impatience creep in when everything doesn't go the way we want. But it's awfully nice to know that the Lord will help us defeat those "little" enemies just as much as the "big" ones! :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful evening, my friend!
Love,
Vicki
It was so wonderful reading this, Frannie! I know it often hurts whenever God brings out His 2x4 to smack us over our heads.. .but how beautiful is your humble acceptance of it!
ReplyDeleteToday while doing Bible study I was reading such a wonderful devotion about how God has everything under control and nothing happens that isn't in His perfect will. It was such a comfort because I have so many major decisions to make right now that it can be a bit over whelming. So wonderful to know that I don't have to take care of it! :)
And I loved the mustache picture! Very cute. :)
In Christ's amazing love,
Sarah