Psalm 107:17-22
“Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.” vss. 17-18
The psalmist was a realist. As he looked at his people’s history and saw the way so many suffered it was obvious that they were reaping the consequences of their careless decisions. That continues to be the way it is for so many. We simply can’t make selfish and self-serving choices without ending up in sad shape. And sometimes there’s no going back. One poor choice leads to another and circumstances get worse instead of better. It’s no accident that our downward cycles are called “slippery slopes.” Once we start sliding it’s tough to get back on our feet again….and we’ve got no one to blame but ourselves. Of course not all suffering is like this. Many times people can make all the right choices and still end up in a bad way…such is the nature of life in this world. But the psalmist was at heart at optimist. Because God is good and full of steadfast love there is hope even for those who have slid all the way to the bottom. There is power in faith and as we learn to surrender our lives to God there can be miraculous turnarounds. We’ve all heard the stories. They happen not because of our own strength and resolve but by God’s grace and the power of the Spirit. And always our thanks is properly directed to God.
Thought for the Day: How do poor choices get magnified?
Desert Meditations 
Hi Sheila , I’m sleepy already. Went to Fry’s shopping since it was Sr discount Day . Had to card shop at Hallmark store too. I must be getting slow as it seems I walked for hours. Grocery stores are so huge with too many choices. I remember starting my daily meditations by clicking on the big white comment word encircled in blue at the end of the meditation. That takes you to same med. but at end has a place to leave a comment if you want to. To the right of meditation is a place to leave your e-mail address and check follow. Then you will be sent the meditation each day on your e-mail. John Paul was reading it on his phone when I forwarded them to him. It didn’t show the right hand side where you could put e-mail address and follow, but he found it on his laptop or whatever device he uses He likes getting them everyday. Also found the Desert Grace articles about Cheri helpful too. Pastor Steve was already retired when John paul joined our church. Love you Kathy
On Wed, Mar 7, 2018 at 3:22 AM, Desert Meditations wrote:
> stevenandreasholm posted: “Psalm 107:17-22 “Some were sick through their > sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they > loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.” vss. > 17-18 The psalmist was a realist. As he looked at his people’s ” >
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