Meet Sarah Tucker

My initial response to this psalm was, "That’s it?" First, praise the Lord; laud Him. Second, the Lord's truth is everlasting. Finally, ending as it started, "Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 117:2) Can it be that simple? At any given time my heart can be totally focused on God, yet in a flash it refocuses upon "me, myself, and I." This can occur for a number of reasons: Busyness, lack of self control, a lack of discipline, or ungodliness. Jerry Bridges, in the book Respectable Sins, defines ungodliness as "living one’s everyday life with little or no thought of God, or of God’s will, or of God’s glory, or of one’s dependence on God." Ouch.

So, I'm reminded that God's praise should always be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
Lord, hear me praise You! Your love has no limits. Your mercies are endless. You see right through my smile to my heart. Yet, You love me? You gently call me back and remind me that Your Son died for me. (Romans 5:8) Your truth is comforting. It relieves me, gives me peace, takes my burdens, guides and teaches me. I can’t get enough of You, yet I need to seek You more! Your love convicts. Your comfort allows me to comfort others. Your love humbles and stretches me. Your faithfulness gives me the power to keep on.

You've blessed me with so many gifts: a redeemed marriage, children to love, and a body of believers to love me, as well. What do I have to give? Oh, You just want my heart? Not external perfection? I confess my heart strays, pulled by the world, my needs, my comfort. Yet, You love me anyway? Oh, Lord, I am eternally grateful. How can I repay You? I can’t. Help me to remember this constantly and to respond appropriately! Help me to LIVE OUT AND LOVE OUT!