Do you know what’s wrong with this country?! And what’s wrong with the political system? Do you know what’s wrong with this younger generation? And the schools? What’s wrong with the church?!?!

The problem is that we are conditioned by this world to focus and dwell on what’s wrong!! (How’s that for a Jesus-juke?!)

In Psalm 9:1-2 David said, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”

David had a vision of the grandeur of God. He recognized how God’s goodness permeated his life and was able to shine brightly in the middle of whatever adversity he faced. He made the choice of what he was going to focus on. 

David knew that the nearness of God was good for him (Psalm 73:28). 

In Psalm 9 an interesting word is used– “exult”. In other translations the word used is “rejoice”.  Both terms are not common in modernity, but in the context of these passages seems to indicate a reaction to God. To be filled with joy, to leap, to respond… For example, When David retrieved the ark of the covenant he danced with all his might, wearing a priest’s garment. 

God’s goodness FILLS the earth. He is the King of the Universe, who holds space and time in the palm of His hand. His kingdom’s reign is unending and is at arm’s length in every situation and at every turn of our lives. We have the choice to thank Him for what He has done, to think about all the wonderful things He has done, to BASK in HIS glory. “When anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,  for anything that becomes visible is light.” Ephesians 5:13

We become dark and shadow filled when we worry and fear, when we gossip and backbite… BUT when we turn, confess, and set our eyes on our Maker we can become luminaries, shining the light of the good God who we have the privilege of serving. 

Application: What’s bothering you right now? Have you brought it into the light? Have you openly asked Jesus to be involved, to heal it, to remove it, and or to forgive you? Are your strong opinions about a larger issue necessary? Have you asked the King of the Universe if your angst over that issue is helpful? 

It seems to me that too many of us choose to carry heavy weights, assigned by Satan, while living pragmatically unaware of the freedom God has given us as His children. 

Train yourself to keep your mind focused on the luminous Kingdom and be a conduit of it.

Be free, in the name of Jesus.