I’m still feeling the poetry…suffering from my “condition”. I still haven’t written anything, though…
I decided to read instead - and who better to read in times like these than the psalmist. So, here is one of David’s “poems”…songs….prayers - that I kept returning to:
Psalm 143 (New Life Version)
Psalm 143
A Prayer For Help
1 Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen when I ask for help. Answer me because You are faithful and right.
2 Do not find Your servant guilty, for no man living is right and good in Your eyes.
3 For the one who hates me has made it hard for my soul. He has crushed my life to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, like those who have been dead for a long time.
4 So my spirit grows weak within me. My heart within me is afraid.
5 I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands.
6 I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.
7 Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave.
8 Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You.
9 O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.
10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path.
11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good.
12 In Your loving-kindness cut off those who hate me. Destroy all those who make it hard for my soul, for I am Your servant.
When our thoughts…hurts…even sad little “poems” become prayers, God turns them into something meaningful and full of power.
He hears.
Peace.
Psalm 63 (A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.)
1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God’s name will praise him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Peace.
i can’t sleep - it’s too cold.
byron says I’m allergic to cold - maybe…
i do love the “trappings” of cold weather - they’re very romantic to me - a fire, wool sweaters and socks, hot chocolate…
…but the realities aren’t so romantic - more like…stressful. i brought in the plants, covered my roses, made beds for all the pets, made sure that the kids are dressed warmly enough…but still. there are things that i worry about that i can’t change or control. i keep thinking about those who have nowhere to go…the homeless. byron and i spent some time driving to the places where i’ve seen some who are homeless - he said we could get blankets, coats, etc…and hand them out. we never found anyone. i should’ve planned ahead. tomorrow i will check into how to help. i know the coalition for the homeless is doing a great work here in central florida. i want to help…
so, for tonight, i will pray for everyone without a home such as i enjoy - and i’m reminded to be more thankful for what i have. and i’m reminded that i need to be more involved - find more ways to help…
…otherwise i just become blind to it - numb in the hard freeze.
have peace tonight.
They’re changing the locks on Byron’s office today.
I’ve been up since 4, so I’m beyond tired - but…
…they’re changing the locks today, so we had to make sure we’re completely “out”.
It does feel…weird - the finality of it all.
Of course, we’re excited about the move - there’s mostly that, but also a little being overwhelmed and the tiniest bit being terrified. It’s a little like jumping off a cliff with no safety clips or ropes…no safety net - like “free falling”…
But, I’ll have to process how I’m feeling about all this another time. There’s too much “else” to do today.
Byron spoke on Nehemiah Sunday morning.
So, I was reminded that no matter what happens: Sandballot’s abuse (Ren & Stimpy), difficulty, exhaustion, working while carrying your “sword” - no matter what, we don’t come down off the wall…ever.
I just have to pray, like Nehemiah, “…strengthen our hands.”
Strengthen me.
Peace.
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