Psalm 39….that’s what was on my mind when the opportunity clock started beeping at me to rise and shine this morning. Huh. Psalm 39 or is it Psalm 59? I’m confused. I think Psalm 139 is what I should read this morning. You know the Psalm that starts out “Lord, you examine me and know. You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives. You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do.” That would make sense, wouldn’t it? Don’t we all find hope in knowing that God knows all about us and loves us anyway? Then add on Psalm 139 where in verses 7 thru 12 we realize that God who knows all is also everywhere. “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I run from where you are?” Even in the darkest night, we are never hidden from God. But then I remembered Psalm 39 and began to read. Then I flipped over to Psalm 59.
Last night as I was checking my email I noticed one that came from Lea Mulder’s Care Page. I didn’t want to open it because I was afraid it would be the last post about sweet Lea. But I got through all the clicks to these words from her mom, “I don’t even know what to say, but “the boy that cried wolf” comes to my mind right now!!! After a long emotional day of thinking we were saying good bye to Lea yesterday, Lea started to “come around” today little by little
and by late afternoon she wanted to get up . . .” When I was 8 years old my favorite verses were John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be trouble, you believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions…..I go to prepare a place for you…so I can receive you to myself…so that where I am, you will be there with me.” Lea’s mansion is not ready yet; her crown of righteousness is still in the ‘create’ stage.
By the time I read Psalm 39 and Psalm 59 it was understandable why I was thinking of both, especially since I have neither of them memorized. But hey, if something sticks in my head, why not rabbit trail the path and see where it goes. Right? So let’s scurry along this path together and pick up a few hopes and helps for today. I hope you don’t care which translation I use because I have three of them this morning. From Psalm 39 “I decided, “I will watch what I say and make sure I do not sin with my tongue….“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure….O Lord, upon what am I relying? You are my only hope!… Hear my prayer, O Lord!” Then in Psalm 59:16-17 “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. You are my Strength; to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”
Do you feel loved today? Psalm 59:17 God shows unfailing love. Do you feel in the dark? Open up to God’s light. Psalm 139:12 “even the darkness will not be dark to you; for darkness is as light to you, God.” No matter what, no matter where, life is better when God is there. No matter what.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQyXltkrzn8
Because of Grace we Press On