Outta Left Field – Ruth’s Love Story: Joy Bombs in the Psalms | Psalm 103

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Transcription:

I saw a picture of a little hummingbird who took refuge in my friend Heidi’s wreath, the one on her front door. It was in a state of torpor, which I’d never heard of before, but it’s kind of like a mini hibernation for a creature when it’s really, really cold outside. Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. Today, of course, is Friday, so we are absolutely going to be diving into joy bombs in the Psalms. My name is Erica, your host, but I so want these next few minutes to be like a mini hibernation for you, for your spirit, that you can just curl up right now in God’s Word and feel the love that He has for you. Feel snug in his love, safe in his love. He is our refuge and our strength. If you are like me, you don’t rest enough, and God is just such a kind God.

Think about that tiny little hummingbird. He provided a way for that hummingbird to find rest. It’s called He has provided His word to you and I. We can rest in his Word. It is a safe place. So, without further ado, join me now in Psalm 103. Let these words just wash over your spirit, wash you clean, and give you rest.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.

I want to pitch a small tent here and remind you of that word, redeem. You have a family redeemer, just like Ruth had in the story that you and I read together this week in the Bible. Jesus is your Boaz and my Boaz. He came to redeem us from death, but he didn’t stop there. He didn’t stop with the gift he gave us by dying on the cross for our sins, for our sins, not his own. He never sinned, but he didn’t stop there. He rose again defeating death, hell, and the grave, and he didn’t stop there because did you hear that? He crowns us with love and tender mercies. Allow yourself to receive his love and tender mercy right now. If he extends it to a hummingbird, how much more will he extend it to you? Verse five now.

He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

I’m fascinated by eagles. So, I want to pitch a really small tent right here and share this little fact that I found from Thomas Tran, from somewhere on the interwebs. Eagles like all animals need to maintain their strength and energy levels in order to survive and thrive. They do this by obtaining the nutrients and energy they need from the food they eat, and by engaging in activities that help to keep their bodies healthy and fit. Okay. So, that’s what the eagle does to renew its strength. What about you and me? We’re doing it right now. We’re engaging with the living God. This is more than an activity or a podcast. This is you and I creating space and inviting God in, and when we do that, he renews our youth like the Eagles and it’s beautiful. Alright, verse six, now.

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Underline that word if you’re reading along in your Bible today, and it’s totally fine if you’re not, but if you are, underline that word, unfailing. Highlight it, circle it, whatever you want to do. We are told over and over in God’s word that his love is unfailing, that he will not fail us. Verse nine now.

He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 14 For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 16 The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. 20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! 22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.

Don’t you want to do that? Praise him with your heart, your mind, your soul, your strength. Lord, we wrap up this week by just praising you. Thank you that you remember us. Thank you that your love for us never fails. We remember all of the blessings you have given to us over the years and even today. You woke us up today, Lord. We were on the wake up list and we take a moment to praise the Lord because you created us. You created us on purpose for a purpose, and we love you so much, Lord. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Alright, until next time. Yeah, you are loved.

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