What do we do with those thoughts which come un-invited? Those oppressive or nagging thoughts which assail us?
As King David brings the song of Psalm 139 to a close, he demonstrates his own progression of self awareness and the contradictions, tensions and unresolved conflicts within his and our own hearts and minds. In the midst of that revelation, we are invited again to re-shift our gaze back onto the One who sees and knows us through the eyes of love. Let us keep turning and returning to God who has the power to transform our hearts, minds and actions, guiding us along the path of life.
Psalm 139:19-24 (NLT)
O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
20 They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
For Reflection and Prayer:
What word, phrase, image, or feeling caught your attention as you listened? Bring it into your prayer. Journal your conversation.
Can you name an emotion which you felt as you heard these words? Where do you feel it in your body? Without judging it, can you bring it before God in prayer?
Reflect on your own experience of hatred. What affect has it had on you? How might you bring hateful thoughts into your prayer with Jesus? How does he meet you or speak to you about them?