I'M OK AND YOU'RE ANNOYING

Years ago, while in college, I was writing a paper for an interpersonal communications class, and strove for the most creative introduction I could.  I figured interviewing Transactional Analysis’ creator would be just the ticket. 

The woman on the other end of the phone was quite somber when I asked if Dr. Berne was available.  After a long pause she stated, “No.  Dr. Berne died this morning.”  Oops!

Dr. Berne had written Games People Play, and he later criticized (to some extent) the work done by a colleague that sprang forth from his original work.  That work was, I’m OK, You’re OK, written by Thomas A. Harris, M.D.

To take slight liberty with that title, the psalmist says at the beginning of Psalm 43, “I’m OK, and you (as a nation) are a bunch of jerks—get ‘em God.”

He reminds his Creator that he is fortified by Him, so why is He disregarding his need—and consequently, why should he have to be so overwhelmed?

He further petitions the Lord to send His light—the kind that ferrets out darkness—and truth—which battles the lies of life.

And the result?

Renewed intimacy with God that’s comparable to that of a newlywed couple’s.  In order to cement the peace that comes as a result of the situation, David reminds his soul to line up with that reality.

Sometimes our souls are stubborn indeed, but once they get the peace message (delivered by us) through their thick skins, they experience the liberation that such is.

b(Les)sings

Psalm 43

New King James Version (NKJV)

Prayer to God in Time of Trouble

 ¹ Vindicate me, O God,
         And plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
         Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!
 ² For You are the God of my strength;
         Why do You cast me off?
         Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
        
 ³ Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!
         Let them lead me;
         Let them bring me to Your holy hill
         And to Your tabernacle.
 ⁴ Then I will go to the altar of God,
         To God my exceeding joy;
         And on the harp I will praise You,
         O God, my God.
        
 ⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul?
         And why are you disquieted within me?
         Hope in God;
         For I shall yet praise Him,
         The help of my countenance and my God.