SOAP Journal 03-03-2008 (Psalm 30:5)

Scripture:

Psalm 30:5 For his anger lasts only a brief moment, and his good favor restores one’s life. One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.

Observation:

Anger from God (at our disobedience unto sin) and sorrow (resulting from loss, for a number of reasons - like God's anger) are to be temporary states from which we are restored. Neither are to be permanent emotional or situational states of being. "Stasis" (my word) is good favor and joy.

Application:

Beating myself up is a pet activity for me. I have higher expectations of myself than God and even after judgment has passed and my consequences experienced/endured, I will remind myself of past failure. This has to be seen as a tool in the enemy's hands to keep me neutralized and feeling disqualified for what God has called me to do. I do it at work; I do it in ministry. It needs to stop.

Prayer:

Father, I pray to be able to catch myself - that is, YOU catch me - when I am slipping into dark thoughts and ungodly, unrelenting sorrow. Help me to own YOUR joy and walk in it, singing the restored joy of my salvation. Truly I do belong to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.