When was the last time you told anyone what God had done for your soul? Many of our Psalms are results of David passionately recounting for us what God had recently done to satisfy the longings of his soul. Whether good or bad, disciplinary or protective measures, sweet or savory, David was quick to share the morsels God had heaped onto his spiritual plate. Other psalmists also echoed David’s praises to God. They shared openly and boldly how God had satisfied their souls.
In Psalm 118:18, David admits, “The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.” Many of us would be too ashamed, too private to admit to such dealings with God. But David was transparent enough to let us know he had been dealt with sternly, but compassionately. I need to know that.
In Psalm 103:13-14, David touts God’s compassion and lovingkindness, His understanding of man’s frailty. Indeed, it is wonderful to feel understood, especially to feel you have been understood by a compassionate soul. I need to know that.
In Psalm 94:19 the psalmist boasts that when his heart was anxious with multiplying concerns, God consoled his fretful soul and even delighted him in the midst of his stress. I need to know that.
In Psalm 73:17 the psalmist Asaph admits he was confused and had lost perspective until he came into God’s presence through worship. Then God restored his vision and he was able to see things from God’s vantage point again. I need to know that.
In Psalm 68:19, David blesses the Lord because He has daily carried his burdens and saved him. I need to know that, too.
In Psalm 34:4, David brags that the Lord has delivered him from his fears and given him renewed courage. I certainly need to know that.
In Psalm 32:1-2, David writes, “How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Obviously once again David was speaking from personal experience. He had been given grace, forgiveness, and a clean slate. I need to know that’s possible.
And in Psalm 18:35-36 we learn that David is grateful for the fact that God has upheld him with His right hand, stooped down in order to make David great, and enlarged his steps so that he would not lose his footing during a very difficult ordeal. God has seen him through. And I need to know that.
I’m quick to tell others when God provides for me and my family financially. I’ll give Him public praise easily when He heals someone I love. And I love to tell others how He has gotten me out of one mess or another. But how often do I tell anyone about God’s dealings with my soul? That would require some degree of transparency, some amount of intimate disclosure.
And yet, I believe that is exactly what our world needs to know. Especially here in America where so many people believe they can take care of themselves. And maybe they can…to a degree. They can earn a paycheck and put food on their table and raise their kids…all with some degree of satisfaction. But I guarantee you that when it comes to the deep and groaning desires of the soul, they’re coming up empty handed. You see, no one can satisfy our souls like God can. No one can heal our hearts, soothe our hurts, grant compassion, give us understanding, encourage us in our fears, give us perspective, speak truth to our doubts, or fill our empty places like the One who created us.
And our world needs to know this.
So today I’m encouraging us all to be a little more transparent, a little more forthcoming, a little more intimately soul-baring…in the fashion of the psalmists. Let’s be quicker to tell others what our God has done for our souls. Let’s “sound His praise abroad” (Psalm 66:8) and invite others to “come and see the works of God.” (Psalm 66:5) And the result?
Awesome, and very encouraging, Kay! 🙂 One thing that God has been reminding me of lately is that "only He satisfies" – He alone – not our husbands, our jobs, our home, our education, our friends, our hobbies, etc. Some run after things, other people, activities, etc. and fill their time with so many of these activities – in an attempt to be satisfied all to come up empty inside. Only He satisfies. I need to remind myself of this, and spend time with Jesus, especially during this busy season of my life. Thanks again, Kay! Have a blessed evening!
I love how the Holy Spirit uses your brain, Kay! You shared your heart like David and I needed to hear that today. Sometimes its scary to tell others what you have been through – but I'm always surprised by how my woes can connect me to another person. Someone sharing with me has made all of the difference.