Owning Our Behavior Can Spark Healing

Some became fools through their rebellious ways

    and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

They loathed all food

    and drew near the gates of death.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

    and he saved them from their distress.

He sent out his word and healed them;

    he rescued them from the grave.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Let them sacrifice thank offerings

    and tell of his works with songs of joy. Psalm 107:17-22

Today we look at the section in Psalm 107 that addresses our own actions. The Psalmist speaks to the people “suffering affliction because of their iniquities.”  The Psalmist is not putting the people in a place of shame and irredeemable repair. Rather, the Psalmist is honest and upfront that the people have created their own tribulation. No one did this to them, it is time for them to take responsibility. 

This passage practically applies to each of our lives—as humans we all are messy and need to take ownership of our actions. Notice the pattern of the people in the Psalm:

1. Make poor decisions

2. Experience suffering caused by actions 

3. Repent to God 

4. Experience healing from God 

5. Express gratitude 

6. Offer self to the world and serve 

Healing might not look as liner or step-by-step as this Psalm, but there are some key components to learn from. Today let’s start with the first section of the Psalm—noticing the ways we self-inflict affliction. To begin, would we breathe deeply: “God, you are with me. Help me to be honest and grow.” From a place of safety and security, knowing ‘God is with us in our trouble’, would we ask earnestly: “What is an area of my life where I create pain, chaos, or affliction?” 

Let’s all keep building our capacity to address our limitations and grow. This does not mean spiraling  into a place of shame “I’m a horrible person” nor adopting a victim mentality “I have no control. Why is this happening?” If you find yourself with a thought pattern like one of these, come back to the practice written above. Remind yourself, “God is with me, loves me, sees me, and is healing me. Part of me experiencing God’s love is addressing our faults and still feeling safe to grow.” As we are more honest and aware of our actions, we will find ourselves all being able to love ourselves, God, and others more richly. 

- Dottie Oleson