Soaking in Psalm 50 and 51 reminds me that God desires and yes, requires from me - thank offerings that express how I can call on Him in times of trouble and know He will hear and help me (Psalm 50:14). He requires thank offerings that honor Him and prepare the way for me to see Him and His salvation (Psalm 50: 23). At first glance the word "requires" evokes a rebellious response. It felt like a rule (religion) when I'm seeking relationships. So I dug deeper and again read and re-read the passages, cross referencing to other similar scriptures. Slowly, God opened my eyes to the treasure of His love in this "requirement." It was and continues to be a stunning moment for me to realize that God requires such an offering because He WANTS me, He LONGS for me to know how much He loves me and that He's always there for me. How can this be? Such a thought removes the "legalism" from this sacrifice. It is not out of obligation but flows from a love relationship.

The thank offerings are not for His sake as much as for my good so that I am constantly aware of His presence and faithfulness.

I understand better that He longs for me to offer Him a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:16, 17). In obedience to this requirement, I am reading Psalms as prayers of praise. By reading them out loud and personalizing them they remind me of God's sovereign love, His great gift of Jesus, that I can trust Him. The requirement is slowly becoming a key that opens my mind to new insights into my Father's character. Beginning each day with praise for Him on my lips is slowly turning my response to life's messy places into an altar that reflects my dependence on Him and trust that He is ever present.

Where are you in this journey? As you start each day with a sacrifice of praise, how is it changing your perspective? Can you share an example?

In His Grip,
Sharon