An Uplifted Soul

“Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning,

for I have put my trust in You.

Teach me the way I should walk,

for to You I lift my soul.”

Psalm 143:8

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• The Psalms are so enduring and endearing to many people because they express the gamut of human feelings and desires.  
• When we contemplate Psalms, we discover that the Psalmist expresses feelings similar to ours.  If we browse them for a while, we can discover everything from love, to fear, to joy, to anger, to thanksgiving, to assurance.  
• Psalm 143 is sometimes titled, “I Stretch Out My Hands to You.”

Contemplation Questions:

• In which areas of my life am I literally and/or figuratively stretching out my hands to God?
  • List all which apply.

• In which areas of my life am I stretching out my hands to a loved one?
  • List all which apply.

• What am I seeking from God?
  • List all which apply.

• What am I seeking from my loved one?
  • List all which apply.

• When I consider my lists, am I certain that my loved one is capable of giving me what I desire, or doing these things for, or with, me?  Anything from accomplishing daily chores to coordinating sleep routines to receiving emotional support can apply.
  • If yes, discern when to have a heart-felt conversation about your feelings and needs.  Plan a time when both of you can listen comfortably.
  • If no, discern where else and with whom you can get your needs met.  Remember that sometimes things like a housecleaning service and check-ins with a BFF, or the like, will work.
  • If maybe, discern what your deal-breakers are, as well as what you are willing to adapt?

• When I consider my lists, am I expecting God to do something for me?
  • Note all which apply, remembering that God can only do for us what God can do through us.

• What behaviors, actions, and/or gestures feel loving to me?
  • List all which apply.

• When I consider this list, what can I do to request more of what I would love to have?
  • List at least three (3) things.

Take as much time as you need to contemplate your life and relationships now.  Continue working with this devotional as you make the gentle changes which help you release what no longer works and request more of what you would love to experience.

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.