11-10-23

Psalm 68:35 You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary;

    the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

The Psalms are an interesting book to read. Much of it is written as praise song to God. Much of it is written by David. “The apple of God’s eye”. It seems that David is in constant trouble or danger. A big difference between you and I is that David very quickly turns to God.

Psalm 69:14-21  Rescue me from the mire,

    do not let me sink;

deliver me from those who hate me,

    from the deep waters.

15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me

    or the depths swallow me up

    or the pit close its mouth over me.

16 Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;

    in your great mercy turn to me.

17 Do not hide your face from your servant;

    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

18 Come near and rescue me;

    deliver me because of my foes.

19 You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;

    all my enemies are before you.

20 Scorn has broken my heart

    and has left me helpless;

I looked for sympathy, but there was none,

    for comforters, but I found none.

21 They put gall in my food

    and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

David is usually asking God to literally save his life as he is in battle, or running from someone who wants to kill him. I think we can all identify with Psalm 69:14-15. When things get tough, the bill collectors are calling, the divorce attorney is sending papers, your child is addicted, your parents aren’t saved, your doctor gives you bad news. We cry out for someone to save us before we sink, and that’s certainly the way it feels, like you are sinking when you get bad news.

But as for me, afflicted and in pain—

    may your salvation, God, protect me.

30 I will praise God’s name in song

    and glorify him with thanksgiving.

31 This will please the Lord more than an ox,

    more than a bull with its horns and hooves.

32 The poor will see and be glad—

    you who seek God, may your hearts live!

33 The Lord hears the needy

    and does not despise his captive people.

34 Let heaven and earth praise him,

    the seas and all that move in them,

In one breath David says he is afflicted and in pain. In the next breath he is praising God. Do we do that? The next time you are injured or have a migraine, try praising God. The next time you feel overwhelmed with the problems of the world, check yourself to see If praising God is the first thing you do. I know that I need to check myself!

We know that in Luke 12:25  it says: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? “ Luke is reminding us that God has it all under control. We know that worry actually makes us physically sick. You have felt it in your body at some point in your life. I think that Jesus felt it in the Garden of Gethsemane.

So today, play that praise song or just shout to the Lord a huge thank you for all he provides for us, even when it’s not the first thing we think of.

Shirlene Peterson