Series: The Word
Psalm 119:130 ESV
Psalm 16:7-11 ESV
Acts 2:17-21 ESV
Joel 2:28-32a (Peter quoted in Acts 2)
Understanding is a difficult concept to master for some because there
are times when empathy is required.
The thing about empathy is that it isn’t something you can engineer.
You can’t really make yourself feel empathetic to another person or situation.
According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology empathy is, “understanding a person from their frame of reference rather than one’s own, or vicariously experiencing that person’s feelings, perceptions, and thoughts. Empathy does not, of itself, entail motivation to be of assistance, although it may turn into sympathy or personal distress, which may result in action. In psychotherapy, therapist empathy for the client can be a path to comprehension of the client’s cognitions, affects, motivations, or behaviors.”
I’ve known people who are an extreme empath.
They don’t make choice to be an empath. I believe that being an empath is just part of a person’s DNA.
A true empath looks for the light in others.
They listen.
They desire understanding.
They connect to certain people at a deeper level of understanding.
Psalm 119:130 tells us, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”
In Psalm 119:130 the psalmist is making a declaration to the Lord.
The writer knows God’s word reveals light on truth and imparts understanding to the simple who do not see it naturally.
Those words give me great hope.
That’s because people who are not naturally empathetic (like a true empath) can turn to God and ask God to show us the light of truth.
In Psalm 16:7-11 we are told,
“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
The Lord gives counsel and instructs. The Lord reveals the path of life.
In Acts 2 the Spirit came to all who believe.
In Acts 2:17-21 Peter quoted what the Prophet Joel spoke about in Joel 2:28-32a,
“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out My Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.”
In the last days all who turn to God will receive the Spirit.
They will prophesy. They will see visions and dream dreams.
God will show us signs and wonders.
Before the Lord returns the sun and the moon will change.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Those who understand and see will see clearly.
But those who turn to God who did not see before, will see.
God will reveal all things to those who believe in the one who came.
In the last days, all who turn WILL see things they did not see before through the power of the Spirit of God.
Spiritual Practice: Turn to God
Receive the Spirit and see through God’s eyes.
In God, Deborah
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