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Feed Your Soul :: { Day 9 } Don’t Stop There

By Bonnie Gray • October 9, 2011 • 33 Comments

 

How do you give voice to God’s goodness when your soul naturally feels it can’t?

I had never seen an airbag deployed.

Until the other week.

I was in a car accident.

It was bad. I slammed on the brakes to stop in time, but it did no good.

It was just like you see in the movies. Everything went in slow mo as I braced myself for impact ahead.

I was shaken.

Once the car got towed away and I made it back home, I steadied myself to dive into the details.

The first thing I did was figure out what was covered in in my auto insurance policy.

What are my benefits?

Wired Differently

Some people talk about the importance of remembering to thank God when times are good.

Everyone is wired differently, but remembering God when times are good isn’t a stretch for me.

I tend to magnify the good, little things into wonderful reasons to celebrate God at work in my life.

I’m what you might call sentimental.

But, the opposite is true for me too.

When something bad happens, I tend to magnify those things also.

I naturally forget God’s goodness — and I start to go down the path of worry and worst case scenarios.

I’ve learned not to feel guilty when I hear my thoughts heading in that direction.

Instead, I tell myself, “This is the normal reaction of being human.”

There’s no shame in feeling soul-weak when we find ourselves in the crossfires of life’s traffic.

But, I don’t stop there.

Start Focusing

I tell myself to start focusing.

— Remember God’s benefits.

— Remember God’s goodness.

Have a talk with Jesus.

Really get into the details.

And tell Him you really need Him.

Oh Jesus (exhale),

My mind knows I have everything I need…  I have you.

But, my soul isn’t talking. It needs to be reminded again of… the benefits of belonging to you.

Travel back in time and remember God’s goodness, His faithfulness.

Just don’t stop when you struggle.

Lean into Jesus as you wrestle to remember His goodness. Take the time and He will meet you there.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.” Psalm 103:2

 

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Give voice to God’s goodness right now.

What jumps into your mind when you read Psalm 103:2 — “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.”?

Pull up a chair. I love company and enjoy hearing your thoughts. Click to share a comment.

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33 Comments

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Feed Your Soul :: { Day 8 } DJ Yourself Some Worship
Feed Your Soul :: { Day 10 } Look at The Stars

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33 Comments

  • Reply Frances October 9, 2011 at 4:30 am

    Bonnie, Today is the day we can worship God freely. Many Christians around the world cannot do that. That is a huge benefit of living in America. Another benefit is that you were not seriously injured in your accident and that is a huge Thank you, Jesus! God bless.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:55 pm

      We do enjoy such freedom of self-expression in the US! Thnx for stopping by, Frances!

  • Reply Jennifer October 9, 2011 at 4:41 am

    Bonnie, I’m so glad you are okay! Like you, I’m sent-ti-mental! I don’t struggle with forgetting God in the good times, in fact, that’s when my soul celebrates and worships Him easily. Hard times? I don’t forget to think about Him then either. Instead, I forget His goodness. I want to run to Him and to blame Him for the things in my life as if He’s never taken care of me before. Such great challenge to remember His sovereignty in the good as well as the bad!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:55 pm

      It did shake me up. So glad it wasn’t time for me to go, too! 🙂

  • Reply Rhondi October 9, 2011 at 5:48 am

    I’m glad that you are okay. That must have been very scary. God’s benefits are endless: Joy, peace, guidance, unconditional love,encouragement, salvation, protection, eternity with him, forgiveness. He is always there, in the midst of good or bad circumstances and I know that whatever happens he cares and he is working it for my good, so I need never fear because he has everything under control. I LOVE Psalm 103: forgives all my sins, heals all my dideases, redeems my life from the pit, crowns me with love and compassion and on and on it goes! He is an awesome God!!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:56 pm

      Rhondi, it was scary. That moment of impact was jarring. But, I’m thankful damage was just to the car. Thnx for sharing your thoughts!

  • Reply Marina Bromley October 9, 2011 at 6:08 am

    A timely reminder…..thanks!

  • Reply Patricia October 9, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Good morning Bonnie, so glad you are ok. What a scary thing to be in the middle of an accident. God is so good and takes care of us. My fault is going to God when things are good. I am doing my 1000 gifts, but am not recording every day and then when I go to write them down forget what I wanted to write from previous days. It’s not that I don’t see God’s blessings every day. I do…Maybe I should devise a little holder for my journal on my hip..When troubles arise, tension, worries, fears that’s when I am groping for Him to be my strength..Thanks for reminding me when my soul isn’t talking, to go to Him, remembering all His goodness, whether or not I have my journal with me..

    Thanks for feeding my soul this morning ~ Patricia

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:57 pm

      Patricia, thnx for taking the time to stop by and share what’s on your heart!

  • Reply Charissa October 9, 2011 at 6:38 am

    eeekkkk….car accidents are sooooo frightening…glad you are OK!!! Thank you for the reminder to dwell on His goodness today! I needed that 🙂

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:57 pm

      Thanks, Charissa. The point of impact was scary. I’m glad I’m okay, too! 🙂

  • Reply Kay October 9, 2011 at 7:13 am

    I am so loving Feed Your Soul. I’m already dreading when the month will be over. Your words touch my mind and heart every morning. Thanks for using the gifts God has given you.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:58 pm

      That makes me happy to hear, Kay. Love having you’re here!

  • Reply Vicki Grabow October 9, 2011 at 9:14 am

    Bonnie has been Blessed and so have we! My Bible study group is also doing 1,000 gifts. Bonnie you have been added to my list! Keeping tract is hard. Isn’t that a Blessing…….sometimes they come so fast. Keep that soul food coming!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:58 pm

      Aw. Vicki! You just blessed my heart. Thank you, friend!

  • Reply Katie Hubbard October 9, 2011 at 9:23 am

    Wow – this series is pumping me up! Like going back to gym, it’s getting my spirit and soul back in shape. After a pretty hard week, I’m leaning into my Savior and finding Him secure, strong and MORE than able to hold me. I am wrestling but I know that the fruit of that will be sweet.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:58 pm

      Awesome, Katie! 🙂

  • Reply Angie October 9, 2011 at 10:09 am

    yes, I struggle in the bad times, too. This was, as your writing always is, so encouraging.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:59 pm

      So glad you stopped by for a visit, Angie! 🙂

  • Reply Katie October 9, 2011 at 10:41 am

    **** Tear drops***** I just went and asked my pastor and friend for prayer after church. I feel so Soul Weak. God is good to remind me to turn to him for my benefits of belonging to God. Praying the Psalms has been my refuge when words are not coming for me on my own, not even my Dear Jesus Journal right now. He reminded me I am still connecting and wanting to connect.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:59 pm

      So awesome you reached out, so you don’t have to be alone. You’re not. 😉 *hugs*

  • Reply Katie October 9, 2011 at 10:42 am

    Oh and I am so grateful that you are ok from the car accident.

  • Reply Julie Sunne October 9, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    Thank God you were not injured in the accident, Bonnie! And by reading between the lines, it seems no one else was either. God is infinitely merciful!
    Great reminder to praise God in all!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks, Julie! 🙂

  • Reply Jeri T. October 9, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    I’m so glad you’re physically okay. Made me think of my first accident. It freaked me out!

    Reading Psalm 103:2 fills my mind with pause to rest. Mindfulness fills my heart to recall God’s past with me and I just want to kneel and thank Him profusely.

    Now you’ve got me smiling Bonnie :-))

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 4:00 pm

      So refreshing how God’s word just speaks to you.. 😉

  • Reply Eileen October 9, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Dear Bonnie,
    I have been tremendously blessed with your past week of Feeding your soul series but this morning your post literally jumps out at me! Holy Spirit was practically shouting to my soul, REMEMBER GOD’s GOODNESS. So i will make it a point to remember His goodness and faithfulness as i struggle through this difficult period (mom-in-law cancer, finances strain, 2 car accidents within 3 mths & a young child in tow).. Yet my God’s sovereign, He is in control & He will come through for His beloved. So Bonnie, thanks for your posts and encouragement. May God refreshes you as you refresh others 

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 4:01 pm

      Eileen, thanks so much for taking time to share your heart. You are going through a difficult period. Hang in there, sweet mommy! You’re not alone.

  • Reply julie October 10, 2011 at 7:49 am

    i am remembering that i feel joy today after not feeling so joy-ful just two days ago! thank you Lord!

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 4:01 pm

      Thanks for sharing, Julie!

  • Reply Darci October 10, 2011 at 8:42 am

    Good morning Bonnie,
    I am so sorry to hear you were in an accident…and am so glad you are okay.
    I want to say thank you for “watering” and “nourishing” my soul these past few weeks. I didn’t realize how “thirsty” I really was (I guess I was wilted pretty bad). 🙁
    I LOVE this “Feed Your Soul” series and look forward to reading them every morning when I get to work. They have all “spoken” to my soul; however, this one has spoke the loudest (Day 10).
    Just this morning while commuting to work I was ranting and raving about all the “not so good stuff” that is happening in my life, basically, feeling sorry for myself. This message was a WONDERFUL reminder to be “thankful in all things.” To know that God is there for me in the good and bad times of my life gives me a peace like no other.
    God Bless!
    Darci

    • Reply Bonnie Gray October 10, 2011 at 4:02 pm

      Oh, Darci! I love how your heart is open and transparent — to God and to us! 🙂 Blessings!

  • Reply Saturday Digest~October 15 « Because Of Grace October 15, 2011 at 8:23 am

    […] After a particularly troubling night, I clicked over to the Faith Barrista blog and read the following, written, it seemed just for me: There’s no shame in feeling soul-weak when we find ourselves in the crossfires of life’s traffic. But, I don’t stop there. Start Focusing I tell myself to start focusing. Remember God’s benefits. Remember God’s goodness. Have a talk with Jesus. Really get into the details. And tell Him you really need Him. Perhaps you might minister to yourself and read the entire post? […]

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