It is hard to believe it has been over a month since I last posted a reflection. I have been spending a lot of time reading and pondering in the Gospel of John. There are many things I have to share – but that will be for another day. For now, I want to get back to Psalms and share a few things with all of you.
As I read through Psalm 18, I couldn’t help but think how much the words of David align with my life. Let me clarify just a bit – I haven’t been to war. I haven’t had enemies physically chasing me. I haven’t needed to fear for my life. But I have been battered by life. I have struggled. I have been hurt and rejected. I have been lonely. I have felt defeated. And when I read this Psalm, it felt like a cool glass of iced tea on a blisteringly hot summer day. I took a deep breath and said, Yes…this is it.
Lord, I passionately love you and I’m bonded to you. for now you’ve become my power! You’re as real to me as bedrock beneath my feet, like a castle on a cliff, my forever firm fortress, my mountain of hiding, my pathway of escape, my tower of rescue where none can reach me. My strength and shield around me, you are salvation’s ray of brightness shining on a hillside, always the champion of my cause. All I need to do is to call to you, singing to you, the praiseworthy God. When I do, I’m safe and sound in you. (verses 1-3)
How would you describe the love and strength of the Lord in your life? David used words like bedrock, castle, firm fortress, mountain of hiding, pathway of escape, tower of rescue. There are so many adjectives in our everyday life that we could choose to describe how the Lord is an influence in our daily lives. For instance, I am sitting at my kitchen table looking out my back window as I am writing this. I see a forest of trees and amongst all the brush are majestic maple and pine trees that are reaching tall and strong. When you look around you, do you see the attributes of God in the nature he created? What do you see? How would you describe God? How has he sustained you in the trials of life?
Take some time – read Psalm 18 – reflect on what it means in your life. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this Psalm. Feel free to email me directly if you would like. Or – you are always welcome to comment directly on this post. Have a GREAT day and remember – “The Almighty is alive and conquers all! Praise is lifted high to the unshakable God! Towering over all, my Savior-God is worthy to be praised!” (verse 46)
Scriptures quoted from the Passion Translation.