April 21

April 21, 2012

 

Psalm 43

 

The Inner Conversation

 

We are told by the "experts" that we have 10,000 thoughts going through our minds each day. That works out to 7 thoughts each minute. Now I can tell you from the way my mind works I must have an older model version of a brain. But regardless of the sheer number, the truth is, the most important conversation we have each day is with ourselves.

 

In these psalms David is giving us insight into the conversation in his mind.

 

My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught.

My heart is in anguish within me.

Fear and trembling have beset me.

Why have you rejected me?

Why are you downcast, O my soul?

 

What we do with these inner conversations will, for the most part, determine our outlook on life. So how do we bring health to our inner world? I would suggest we include God in the conversation. One of the verses today said this about our God, "Be still, and know that I am God."  God does not shout above our TV, he does not twitter, he isn't on Facebook, he does not interrupt us with emergency phone calls. God speaks with a hushed voice. He waits for us to get quiet so we can hear him.

 

This is one of my greatest struggles in life, getting quiet before God. My heart is wired for performance and action. The idea of sitting quietly, of being alone, of meditation doesn't appeal to me. Yet it is the only way for God to enter my heart and change my inner conversations.

 

So how does the victory arrive for David? By intentionally creating quiet and stillness David is able to open his heart to God and hear his voice. The presence of God literally transforms his heart. God's presence gives him the ability to rise above even the most troubling and difficult situations. It seems that when we catch a glimpse of the beauty, the majesty and the greatness of God, then everything on earth changes. David, in these psalms, does not have a change of circumstances but does have a radical change of perspective. He moves from despair to hope, from complaining to praise and from darkness to light. Listen to a few of his words after his encounter with God:

 

My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.

I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

But as for me, I trust in you.

 

In the end, the victory for your 10,000 thoughts today has everything to do with being in the presence of God and listening to his voice. By the way, when was the last time you heard the voice of God?