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Crying For Help – Reflection on Psalm 61

Psalm 61

Where Can We Go?

Life gets bogged down. We take two steps forward, but because of unforeseen challenges, we take six steps back. Frustration ensues as our problems loom large and solutions are nowhere in sight. We become so fixated on our problems that we can no longer see past them. We believe we are trapped with no way out. Getting caught in details and missing the big picture is easy. Sometimes a higher perspective helps us get out of the weeds of our problems. Continue reading “Crying For Help – Reflection on Psalm 61”

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Morning Reflection 3/06/12 – Psalm 17

Psalm 17

Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

A Prayer of David.

1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
2 From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.
3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.
4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They track me down; now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them! By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
14 from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—from mortals whose portion in life is in this world. May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them; may their children have more than enough; may they leave something over to their little ones.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

via Psalm 17:11 (NRSV) – Biblia.com.

David knew what it was like to have enemies. While he was still, basically, a boy, Samuel came and anointed him as king of Israel. The problem was, Saul was already king. As David grew older, it became apparent that God had chose David to replace Saul, but Saul was not going let go of the kingship without a fight. David knew what it was like to be pursued.  Continue reading “Morning Reflection 3/06/12 – Psalm 17”

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Morning Reflection 3/05/12 – Psalm 16

Psalm 16

Song of Trust and Security in God

A Miktam of David.

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.

10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

via Psalm 16:6 (NRSV) – Biblia.com.

Why does it seem that so many who succeed in life do so by nefarious means? The old saying, “Nice guys finish last” is proven every day. Those of us who follow Jesus find ourselves taking on the “nice guy” role. There are things that we just won’t do. It can be temping though. When we realize that if we just take some shortcuts and do something that is morally questionable things would go easier, it is difficult to stay faithful to our calling or remember what life would be like without God’s presence.

It is easy to forget what life would be like without God’s presence when questionable success is so visible. We go from activity to activity, skimming the surface of life, never reflecting on how God’s presence surrounds us and brings us all good. David didn’t forget. Continue reading “Morning Reflection 3/05/12 – Psalm 16”