Psalm of Single-Mindedness

“Investigate my life, O God; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.”  (Psalm 139:1-2, THE MESSAGE)

 

 “Lord of reality, make me real…

not plastic, synthetic, pretend, phony,

an actor playing out his part -- a hypocrite.

 I don’t want to keep a prayer list... but to pray;

 Nor to agonize to find your will...

but to obey what I already know;

 To argue theories of inspiration... but to submit to your Word.

 I don’t want to explain the difference between

eros and philos and agape... but to love.

 I don’t want to sing as if I mean it... but to mean it.

 I don’t want to tell it like it is... but to be like You want it.

 I don’t want to think another needs me...

but to know that I need You, O God --

or else I’m not complete.

 I don’t want to tell others how to do it... but to do it;

 I don’t want to always have to be right...

but to admit when I’m wrong.

 I don’t want to be a census taker... but an obstetrician;

            not just an involved person, a professional... but a friend.

 I don’t want to be insensitive...

but to hurt where other people hurt;

nor to say I know how you feel,... but to say God knows.

 And I’ll try if you’ll be patient with me

and meanwhile I’ll be quiet.

 I don’t want to scorn the clichés of others...

but to mean everything I say...

 Including this.”

 

[--Written by Joseph Bayly, from his book Psalms of My Life (Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House, 1969)]

What great words and thoughts to ponder, pray, and practice!  I hope they will describe your life, even as I am working on them describing mine!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!