It's Monday, and that means I get to share about the verses I am memorizing. I am so glad Karen at Karen's Ramblings has started this weekly time for sharing because I absolutley love passing on what I am learning in God's Word, and in the time I spend with Him.
Last week I told you I am going through Psalm 22 - one verse at a time, one day at a time. I will tell you about the verse I meorized and am meditating on today, but first I want to bring you up to speed on what transpired in David's life since last Monday. I would invite you to get your Bible out and read these verses yourself, as I am going to be sharing the way I have summarized each of them. (Call it the NKV - New Karen Version!)
12 - I am intimidated.
13 - I am threatened.
14 - I am completely spent.
15 - I am utterly hopeless.
16 - I might as well be dead.
17 - I am pitiful.
18 - I am humiliated.
Sounds very uplifting, doesn't it?
But today I got to verse 19.
But you, O Lord, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.See? In the midst of incredible despair, when everything around him looks like it is crashing in and is going to overtake him, David remembers Who God Is. I like the way the New Living Translation says it, "O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!"
Did you hear that? David said, "You are my strength!"
I cannot count how many times I have felt completely overwhelmed - by children, commitments, house work, homework (my kids' homework!), even other people's burdens - and I have thought, There is no way I can handle all of this. I'm sinking!
Based upon the intensity of David's words in the previous seven verses, I think whatever he was facing far surpasses any of the stresses I have faced, yet in verse 19 he remembered Who God Is. You are my strength.
So today I have Psalm 22:19 written on a piece of paper and I am carrying it with me in my pocket. I have taken it out a few times and read it over, and I have recited it in my head several times, as well. It has become my prayer today, as I remember God is my strength and He is able to care for me and accomplish what needs to be done in my life.
How are you doing today? Are you feeling a little bit like David - overwhelmed and despairing? Please know - God is not far off, and He will be your strength. Just call upon Him, my friend.
7 comments:
Personally I think we have the 'downs' precisely so that we can better appreciate the ups!
Cheers
Something peculiar has happened to blogger comments so just for now, this is my calling card "Whittereronautism"so we can find each other.
I love this, just reading through those verses and then...despite all, no matter, what Verse 19, the power of God's strength to do his work, show his glory, lift our heads, lift us up and out! Woo Hoo! I like the Karen Bible Version too - yay! I feel uplifted reading this in a big way! Thanks for sharing.
Without rain, there would be no beauty in the world nor would we enjoy the sun when it shines.
Love your verse this week. In my life, I have climbed mountains and trudged through valleys. God has always been right there with me, every step of the way. He is with you also.
Blessings,
Mary
He is an ever present help in times of trouble. And He is there even when there is no trouble.
I am reminded that my God is good.
Thank you.
wonderful devotion, beautiful scripture. Thank-you for your words....
I did just that. I felt all those things that David felt, then I reminded myself that NOTHING is bigger than my God. I've felt better for days now! Thanks to your reminder ;)
The great thing about reading Psalms is that David was an ordinary guy who sinned, lived, loved God but screwed up often. And yet, God called him his friend, a man after his own heart. Here David is being very real about his situation, how awful it is. But he doesn't stop there, he encourages himself with the fact that God is his deliverer and his strength.
Great stuff.
Post a Comment