Occasionally, I have been putting a short video out on Facebook during this period of “Shelter-at-Home.” It is supposed to be a short message of hope and encouragement. Unfortunately, last Wednesday and Thursday, it was more a video of frustration and a rant against the church doors remaining closed, in Idaho at least until April 30. I mentioned in one of the videos, jokingly, that I would probably have to repent and get an attitude adjustment from the LORD. One should never joke about such things.
Thursday afternoon I walked past a plaque on my china cabinet that contained the simple message, “This is the day the LORD has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.” [Psalm 118, verse 24]
It was not long after reading those words that the LORD began my attitude adjustment. I repented before Him, and Friday morning after praying through Psalm 118, I also repented in my morning video.
A long time ago, perhaps 45 years, I was told that my “service” gifts were those of encouragement in the first position, followed by teaching. I have found that to be true. I am an encourager. I encourage through the gift of teaching. I have learned, however, that even “encouragers” can become discouraged at times, especially when we take our eyes off the “Great Encourager” and start listening to what the world is saying. And the world has been saying quite a lot lately.
God brought me back with that simple verse from Psalm 118. Friday morning, I began to pray through that Psalm.
I am not sure if any of you are discouraged or frustrated as I was. I am not sure if the world’s messages to you have become louder than the message of love from Father God. I am not sure if you need an attitude adjustment as I did.
I am sure that God wants His message to be louder than all the others. I am sure that if this shelter-at-home lifestyle goes on much longer, I am going to need once again to be reminded of God’s love message to us. So, over the next few days, let us live and pray together in Psalm 118.
