A psalm of David (4th Day 59)

A psalm of David. Praise the LORD, I tell myself; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone--as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Praise the LORD, you angels of his, you mighty creatures who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom. As for me--I, too, will praise the LORD.

You know, I've never been much for reading the Psalms. I don't know why, I just haven't--until recently. I still haven't gotten deep into them, but there are a few that I have read lately that makes me feel as if there is a whole new world of Scripture to explore.

When days are tough and you feel discouraged, unhappy, or just plain tired, you come across a psalm like Psalm 103 above and are suddenly amazed all over again about how wonderful our God really is. My son brought his Bible down to the dining room table to ask one of those hard questions, namely, "What was the Leviathan?" and left it open to Psalm 103. Later, I picked it up and start reading it.

Tell me you don't feel just like David did. I know how David feels. He's probably had one of those days where he asked "What is the meaning of life?" or "What is this all about?" But, upon reflection, recognizes what God has done. And in doing so, he is suddenly uplifted and gives praise to God.

If we stop and think of what God has done for us and that God not only looks our way, but really loves us, how can we continue to be discouraged. Knowing that whatever happens to us in this life is but a temporary puff of wind and that we will have an eternity with God makes now and the future so much brighter.

I saw again today the Darwin Fish-with-Feet emblem on the back of someone's car and felt despair as I momentarily thought how hopeless I would feel without faith in God. I prayed again for that person and thanked God for being God.

Oh, to feel how David feels! My heart cries out gladness to the Lord for His reassurances!

De Colores,
Bill
WV88