Psalm 9

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:1-2

Well, I'm back in New York City after two absolutely wonderful weeks with friends and family. I didn't really want to hop on that bus and return this lonely, unfamiliar place, but I climbed up those stairs regardless. The best thing about this city is that it makes my need for God extremely evident. I can tell you story after story of God's faithfulness here. I know that He loves me and is looking out for me, even when I feel overwhelmed and useless.

This psalm progresses to tell of God's justice on King David's enemies, and David's desire for salvation so that he can praise God publicly. That's where I am. I just want God to come through for me so I can tell everyone else how amazing He is. And, He always does. Not in our timing, but He always comes through.

In the land of McDonalds, microwaves, and lyposuction, we've been conditioned to expect instant results. I want things when I want them, and I don't want to work for them. I don't want to train for a marathon; I just want to run one. I don't want to become disciplined; I want my room to clean and organize itself. And, the list goes on and on. As I walked through the National Gallery today, the depth, beauty, and complexity of the masterpieces forced me to stop and think.

God is working in my life, "and I am certain that God, who began the good work within you (and me!), will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns" (Philippians 1:6). That means that we probably won't be finished for a while. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are God's masterpieces. We are his artwork, and we matter too much for him to rush the process.

Although I get impatient as I study the unfinished canvas of my tomorrow, I'm learning to trust the Artist and rest in his faithfulness.



He has done marvelous things.
He is doing marvelous things, and I am one of them.