But You (Bless The Lord)

There are so many disappointments in life,
but I am never disappointed in
you.
I fail at what I purpose or attempt,
but your strength is forever
Infinite.
There seems to be so much nastiness everywhere,
but you have always treated me with
tenderness.
At times I can be so selfish,
but you are the ultimate giver, lavish in
generosity.
I am too often angry,
but you are slow to anger and abounding in
love.
I can be way too quick to judge,
but you are gracious, patient, and
forgiving.
There are times when my life seems out of control,
but over everything you’ve made, you exercise perfect
control.
I often fail in my battle with sin,
but in every way, you are infinitely
holy.
I live in a world often devoid of truth,
but you are the source of everything that is
true.
I am often confronted by my weakness,
but nothing is impossible with you; you are my
strength.
There are so many things I do not know,
but with you, there are no surprises or
mysteries.
I don’t always do what I’ve promised to do,
but in every situation and in every way, you are
faithful.
I am often quick to condemn,
but you are quick to forgive, giving grace upon
grace.
I often exercise my power for my benefit alone,
but for the sake of your children, you willingly unleash your
power.
I often give people what I think they deserve,
but you reward us again and again because of your
mercy.

So, here is my confession:
if left to my own, I would always fall short of your
glory.
But you have not left me on my own,
you have included me in your story of
redemption.
Because I am in you and you are in me,
despite my failings, I have
hope.
This hope is with me wherever I go, whatever I do;
a hope not just for today but tomorrow,
and not just tomorrow, but for all of
eternity.

God bless,

Paul David Tripp

Psalm 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Bless the LORD, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!
Bless the LORD, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!
Bless the LORD, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Reflection Questions

1. Have you been nasty to someone recently? What did you say or do that did not represent the tender love of the Lord? Have you repented and asked for their forgiveness?

2. When was the last time you intentionally ignored an opportunity to be generous and selfless? Are you able to go back and serve?

3. Who was the last person you judged? In what ways are you more like them and their weaknesses and failures than unlike them?

4. What happened recently that proved you are simply not in control of your life? How did you react to this loss or lack of control?

5. How has the Lord proven to be the opposite of all of your above weaknesses? Does this make you afraid and ashamed, or can you admit who you are and celebrate his inexhaustible and unconditional love?

6. Read the first five verses (or more) of Psalm 103 and find evidence for each of these in your life. Then, write your own “Bless The Lord” meditation as an act of worship, remembrance, and thanksgiving.