Executive Producer

This episode is brought to you in part by Executive Producer, John Anonymous.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 78 CEB, Ch. 79-80 GWT

Music

Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band – O Holy Night – From A NehoSoul Christmas CD

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Thoughts

Psalms 79 and 80 are good examples of a repentant Israel crying out to God after He has disciplined them for deserting Him. The writer recounts how their enemies have wreaked havoc on the land and the people, and he asks God to turn His anger away from His people and towards those who do not acknowledge Him. He confesses that Israel is helpless without Him. And he says that when God delivers them, they will praise Him.

You know, this is really a pretty good model for repentance and confession for believers today. It’s good to acknowledge our pain before God, and to tell Him the circumstances of our situation. If we are going through His discipline, it’s good to acknowledge that we are aware of it, and then ask forgiveness. It’s healthy to confess that we truly are helpless without Him. And we should always praise Him, but especially when we sense His presence and intervention in our lives. 

Sure, God knows all of this before we speak it. He knows, because He is God. But speaking the words is a way of showing Him that our heart is truly seeking Him, and broken. It shows that we have a contrite heart, and God loves a heart that is contrite. When God sees that our heart is right, He will always respond with love. He yearns for the opportunity to bless His people.