Psalm 146 ends with a lovely image of a bountiful harvest and praise for God. I am thinking of the many people who are working to address climate destruction and racial injustice. May the seeds they are sowing produce cause for shouts of joy!
Amy, I so appreciate the way you apply the verses to current whole-world issues that matter so very much. Your focus on helping others is a Christlike example for us.
Well, I have to confess that I fill my mouth with lots of things that aren't laughter and joy.
I can almost feel the rush just thinking about biting into a glazed doughnut with white cream filling. The crunchy sugar coating contrasts with the texture of the smooth, whipped cream that squishes into my mouth as the sugar flows directly to my "feel good" sensors. That's when I think, "I'd better have another!" Later, though, those ingredients sit in my body like a lead weight (and it doesn't go away for years).
I sometimes fill my mouth with righteous indignation. I can complain and feel justified with the story of Jesus turning over tables and clearing the temple. After I spout off, though, I often feel "tainted," existing under the shadow of the negativity I have promoted. (A doughnut will probably make me feel better.)
Like the author of the devotional booklet, I often fill my mouth with complaints of "my busyness, my lack of time and money. . . ." On further reflection, though, I realize that many of those situations are of my own creation. Why do I get myself so frazzled?
Next time I want to fill my mouth with something that will make me sorry later, I think I should purposefully fill my mouth with laughter and shouts of joy instead! I'll bet I will feel better in the moment and, most certainly, later on. I can't think of anything that would be better for me!
Psalm 146 ends with a lovely image of a bountiful harvest and praise for God. I am thinking of the many people who are working to address climate destruction and racial injustice. May the seeds they are sowing produce cause for shouts of joy!
Well, I have to confess that I fill my mouth with lots of things that aren't laughter and joy.
I can almost feel the rush just thinking about biting into a glazed doughnut with white cream filling. The crunchy sugar coating contrasts with the texture of the smooth, whipped cream that squishes into my mouth as the sugar flows directly to my "feel good" sensors. That's when I think, "I'd better have another!" Later, though, those ingredients sit in my body like a lead weight (and it doesn't go away for years).
I sometimes fill my mouth with righteous indignation. I can complain and feel justified with the story of Jesus turning over tables and clearing the temple. After I spout off, though, I often feel "tainted," existing under the shadow of the negativity I have promoted. (A doughnut will probably make me feel better.)
Like the author of the devotional booklet, I often fill my mouth with complaints of "my busyness, my lack of time and money. . . ." On further reflection, though, I realize that many of those situations are of my own creation. Why do I get myself so frazzled?
Next time I want to fill my mouth with something that will make me sorry later, I think I should purposefully fill my mouth with laughter and shouts of joy instead! I'll bet I will feel better in the moment and, most certainly, later on. I can't think of anything that would be better for me!