Beyond Common Sense

This morning, I outlined this psalm. It was a great help to see exactly how it was put together. As with any Bible study, the discovery was a great blessing. Notice where the psalmist (possibly David) focuses the most: What God did or does!

1. Praises
   1. While I live I will..
   2. Sing praises to my God
2. Warnings
   1. Don’t trust in man
3. Blessings
   1. Happiness to those who trust God
4. What God does/did
   1. Made heaven and earth
   2. Sea and all that is in them
   3. Keeps truth forever!
   4. Executes justice
   5. Feed the hungry
   6. Opens the eyes of the blind
   7. Raises the bowed down
   8. Loves the righteous
   9. Watches over strangers
   10. Relieves the fatherless and widow
   11. Turns the wicked upside down
   12. Reigns forever to all generations
5. Praise the LORD!!

So what is the conclusion of the whole matter? Yesterday, was a bit of a downer at the start for no particular reason, just morning blahs. Today, not so much so, and yet there weren’t many differences in the day EXCEPT FOR MY THOUGHTS! Yesterday started with a dream—a good dream that I really can’t share—but it burdened my heart because of the situation it was centered around. Whatever the trigger, the question is, how do I get off that train and on the Happy Day Express? I’m not sure. I know I had great devotions yesterday and all was well on the home front.

I’m wondering if it was the looming thought of going through Mom’s things, which I did in the afternoon with many tears. It was a job I dreaded, but now that it’s done, I feel that I’ve taken another necessary step in the grief process.

We tend to want to poopoo those steps of grief, making statements like, “I’m OK” or “That’s not my problem” or “I’m stronger than that” or “I’ve got this” or “I’ve got God, that’s all I need.” The last one is true, but I honestly believe that HE is the one that sets up this process. He knows me better than I know myself!

CONCLUSION: Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so quick to say, “I’m alright.” Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss the chaplain’s calls or throw out the papers from Hospice on how I AM doing.
We are such independent beings! We don’t think we need help, but sometimes we do!

Perhaps I wouldn’t be caught off guard by the sudden rush of tears if I had taken the time to work through the grieving process. Perhaps the ride, though difficult, would have been a bit smoother.

You can’t push through it, but I do know that when I make myself face some of these things, I’m always glad I did them. The day after Mom died, I went to church. Some questioned that move but for me, I was desperate to be there. The thought of sitting home—in the place where Mom had breathed her last—when all my church family were gathering to worship would have been more difficult. That service was such a balm to my soul.

I don’t know if this will help anyone but, as usual, just writing it was a great help to me. Seek the balance, which is good advice in every issue. You alone know when you can or cannot deal with things, but don’t be afraid to take the next step forward. Healing will happen if we continue to move forward, hand in hand with those who care, especially the One who knows you best.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If] I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Psalm 139:17-18