Psalm 147:1-6
How good it is to sing praises to our God, for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. Psalm 147:1-6 (NRSVUE)
“The Lord builds up”, “he gathers”, “he heals”, “he lifts up”, as I read these phrases, what stands out to me is that they are present tense. To achieve this, God must use all of us. At times it may not seem like God is using you until you reflect and then you can see God at work. As I have reflected, I have seen God at work in all of these ways and more at Southwood.
“The Lord builds up” - Southwood has a vibrant children’s and youth programming aimed at building up so they can experience God’s love and grow spiritually.
“He gathers the outcasts” - Southwood members serve those in need at the Gathering Place and Matt Talbot by serving meals to those who gather; and the Food Bank through planting and harvesting vegetables from the Southwood Garden, and food distributions.
“He heals” - Southwood members serve at Clinic with a Heart to provide physical healing and they offer grief groups to heal the brokenhearted.
“He lifts up” - Every Christmas Southwood has a tremendous response to the giving trees and in July there is a gift card collection. All to help those who may have fallen on hard times, hoping to lift them up.
May we all continue to look for ways to continue to build up, gather the outcasts, heal, and lift up those around us every day. For when we do, we are fulfilling God's will.
Questions for Reflection:
- When have you been part of building up God’s Kingdom?
- Think back to a time when you were an outcast, brokenhearted, or downtrodden, how did you see God at work in your life during this time?
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, please continue to use us to do Your will. Help us see those who need to be built up, gathered, healed or lifted up and give us the ability and the courage to act when needed. Guide our hands and feet to do your will. Amen.
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