Ever have one of those days you feel life is squishing the stuffing out of you? David actually asked, “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about.” That was a scary request. Whew. Some versions read “test or try me”, but it also means what pops out under pressure.

Since most of us don’t live cloistered on some mountain top, it’s hard to keep emotions and thoughts on an even keel when we are squashed by hardships and difficulties. Real life = real problems. Sometimes stuff hits on the blindside, and boom, out pops something improper. Yikes! What is stored-up bursts out under strain.

I have a better chance of reacting properly to life if I spend time with God – whether reading the Bible, working on Bible study, and/or listening to praise music. Sit me by the river with praise music playing, and an atomic bomb might not rattle me. Ah, bliss!

The Psalmist said he hid God’s word in his heart so he wouldn’t sin against God. Paul reminds us to think about things that are good and worthy of praise, that are true and honorable, right, pure and beautiful and respected. Therefore, we can avoid unpleasant stuff squishing out by making sure to saturate with God’s word and the good God has created.

Let’s feed our minds with God’s good and the good will squish out.

Psalm 139:23 (MSG), Psalm 119:11 (NIV). Philippians 4:8 (NCV)