Even to Old Age

“Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
    all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from before your birth,
    carried from the womb;
even to your old age I am he,
    and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
    I will carry and will save.

“To whom will you liken me and make me equal,
    and compare me, that we may be alike?..

“Remember this and stand firm,
    recall it to mind, you transgressors,
    remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
    and I will accomplish all my purpose…’
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
    I have purposed, and I will do it.” Isaiah 46:3-5,8-10,11b

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place
    in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
    or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
    from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

“Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!..

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’
    Praise the Lord!” Psalm 90:1-2; 106:1,48

God’s people, known from forever past, are conceived, born, grow to His appointed age, and die unto His presence forever. In the mean time of life here on earth, His abiding is constant, unending, vigilant. He carries His own, He cares. God is everlasting and unchanging, and so are His promises. (Job 12:10; 14:5; Psalm 139:16)

“As for man, his days are like grass;
    he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
    and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
    and his righteousness to children’s children.” Psalm 103:15-17

His constancy in our finiteness is cause for contemplation, a healthy and helpful practice for godly perspective. While cultural messages and societal pressures promote dissatisfaction or unreasonable expectations, the Lord directs us to gain a heart of wisdom about the days He entrusts to us. Fruit borne in younger years may look different in later years, but He expects honorable stewardship of His gifts and resources through every season. He grants opportunities and guides choices. Am I fruitful, or fretful? Where am I most effective for His kingdom? Are there tasks whose calling has passed? Is there a new endeavor for which I can trust Him? (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 39:4; 90:12; 92:14)

His constancy in our finiteness is also cause for ongoing praise. Knowing He is nigh, bearing us up and carrying us through even the most difficult places, gives security and peace that free us to be outward-focused. Vibrant living at any stage reaps friendship, satisfaction, joy in service, and gratitude. How do expend ourselves so He receives the notice? With whom are we proclaiming His steadfast love and faithfulness? In what specific ways do our actions spell out praise for His beauties and graces, and our voices resound with Amen?

Lord, may my life exemplify Your bearing in every season.

When Did We, When Did We Not?

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’  Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’  Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’  And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46

The Son of Man will surely come, and call all people to account. Jesus’s words jolted the people awake to their own complacency and ignorance of His invisible activity and missed opportunities to honor Him. Blinded by self-interest, they would be judged for their near-sighted living. (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 9:27)

When receiving stinging rebuke we don’t want to hear, or an appraisal we don’t understand, it might be our natural proclivity to be defensive. Uncomfortable with the declaration, we prefer to justify ourselves into acceptance or approval. But Jesus’s real and true stand no matter how we receive His assessment.

Would we turn from excuses and narrow, self-centered thinking to seek God’s perspective and see our action or inaction in His light? If convicted, instead of rueing if only I’d known, will we name and renounce the error of our ways? When will we escape ourselves to serve, visit, care, and tend in His name, for others’ good?

Lord, absorb my life in extending the hands and heart of Jesus for Your sake and glory.

Never Forget Forgiveness

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
    who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
    his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:1-12

The psalmist rouses his soul in praise, continually overwhelmed with the reality of God’s forgiveness. In what begins like a comprehensive list of benefits bestowed by his Lord, his soul cannot get over the fact that this great and holy God has forgiven all his sins. Indeed that gift opened the way for David to receive so much more- healing, redemption, love, mercy, vitality, goodness, guidance- but every blessing is wrapped in forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the first benefit and blessing in a Christian’s life that makes the way for every other. It is the key to a grateful heart, the door to vast spiritual riches, and gives redeemed sight that enables us to see with wonder the beauties of God. If we never forget the debt we incurred, and paid in full by our Savior, we will marvel forever! (Psalm 32:1-2)

Is my prayer time self-centered? Does my litany of thanksgiving begin with myself and charms directed my way, or by blessing the Giver of every good and perfect gift? Have the glitter and grind of life distracted me from daily remembering who I was before Christ saved me, and what He sacrificed for my sake? Would I humbly bow at the start of every day, every prayer, and praise the One whose death rent the veil that I might approach His holy sanctuary? Who covered me in His righteousness and welcomes me to His throne? (Mark 15:37-39; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Hebrews 10:19-22; James 1:17)

Lest I forget God’s gift of forgiveness, will I take time to search my heart and confess known sin, then thank Him for His cleansing grace? Acknowledging this starts the flow of gratitude for all attending gifts He bountifully gives. It also inspires us to pay it forward to others. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Since I have received steadfast love and grace, and am the beneficiary of God’s patience and long-suffering, how and to whom will I extend the same? An unforgiving heart is one that has not been softened and moved by the Lord’s mercy. When I realize the gravity of my sin, the weight of my debt, and the cost to my Savior to forgive me, I will be able, by act of will, with God’s help, to forgive. (Ephesians 4:32)

Lord, may I daily bless Your name for Your gracious forgiveness, and love others as You do me. (John 13:34-35)

Excelling in Inexplicable Excellence

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,  having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

“For to which of the angels did God ever say,

‘You are my Son,
    today I have begotten you’?” Hebrews 1:1-5

The letter writer begins, God has spoken to us by his Son, then in a few words opens heaven to reveal that incomparable divine One. He exquisitely describes the indescribable, efficiently expresses the limitless, and for finite minds cogently portrays the infinite. In three sentences he displays Jesus in His nature, office, glory, power, and victory as supremely excellent, worthy of our adoration.

Would that we began our daily ‘letters,’ our communication, intentions, and purposeful work, immersed in the radiance of the Son of God! Consider first that He speaks, that He came to earth to make a way for unbroken communion with us. His word is complete, without error, a true joy for the heart, revival to the soul, and light to our path. Are we listening? (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:89,105)

Ponder that as God’s Son, He is heir of all things, having created the world with God, setting His seal of delight and ownership on all that was made. If Jesus possesses everything, and fashioned it all with uniqueness and reason, why would I doubt His provision, or particular purpose for my life? How well do I trust this divine benefactor? What needs will I bring before Him today? (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-16)

Jesus radiates God’s glory and bears exactly His nature. If I am His child, how accurately do I resemble Him? What brooding or godless habits do I indulge, or dark entertainment do I expose myself to, that stifles His light? What grudges or snippy attitudes keep me from reflecting His graciousness, kindness, and love? How evident is His nature in mine? (John 1:4; Philippians 2:1-8)

Consider that Christ upholds the universe by the word of His power. He sustains all He has made with immeasurable strength, order, and perfection. What places in my life seem out of gravitational control or off-balance? Will I bring them under the supernatural authority of the Lord? (Colossians 1:17)

This Lord Jesus made purification for sins, and reigns as Victor at the right hand of the Majesty on high. If He has borne all of sin’s sting and punishment, why do I still carry shame? How can I still harbor resentment and desire for vengeance for wrongs done to me? Where do I need to apply this finished work of Christ? (Romans 12:16-21; Ephesians 4:32)

Jesus is most excellent in every way! He is superior to angels and experts and energy and positivity! Will I believe and trust and prefer and praise Him?

Lord, ground me in Your most excellent name and character so all I do reflects the radiance of Your glory.

Prayer for a Nation

“Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord.  And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.  Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God.  Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands  and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed.  So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.’

“Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.'” 2 Kings 19:14-20

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
    to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
    he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Daniel 2:20-21

The threat against his kingdom was real, and imminently threatening, but king Hezekiah knew the true and superior Regent. To Him he appealed for Judah, not for his own sake or simply ease from attack and trouble, but for God’s renown. His faith was fixed, he knew what the sovereign God could do and humbly appealed to His supreme greatness so that greatness would be known. (2 Kings 18:5-7,9-13; 19:8-13)

Threats snarl and swipe all around us, whether from formidable foreign armies, disguised destructive corruption, insidious cultural morass, or hidden sniping temptations. No matter who or what presses and seems to be in control, we need not fear. God reigns! All governing authorities are put in place by the supreme Ruler Himself for His redemptive purposes. He arranges nations and cabinets to employ His intentions, ultimately designing circumstances so people would know He alone is God. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:12)

We might rue the election of a leader, or resist one installed against our will in a homeland where we have no vote. We might want to blame people for spiritual oppression, and feel defeated and afraid. But God is greater than any enemy, real or unseen, and we can trust that He reigns supreme. We are called to pray with confidence He responds to our prayers. His answer may not be the mercy or ease or authority we would choose in the here and now, but His purposes are redemptive and He will, in His way and time, make Himself known in the nations. (Romans 13:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Do we believe God is sovereign? How are we living that out in honor, peace, and persistent prayer? What might He be orchestrating in the heavenlies and in individual hearts to reveal His holy purposes, ignite revival, and bring glory to Himself?

Lord of the nations, express Your heart and eternal perspective for Your world through my prayers and life, so others know You are God.

The ‘According’ of Godly Living

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life…

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

“Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior…

“Teach what accords with sound doctrine… Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us…

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works…

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…

“Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 1:1-2,4-5; 2:1,7-8,11; 3:1-6,14

Paul’s greeting to Titus binds them together in a common faith and hope, and extends the grace and peace those make possible. He reminds him that teaching that accords forward with godliness also accords behind and underneath with sound doctrine. Living according to God’s word is possible according to His mercy in saving, regenerating, renewing, and sanctifying by His Spirit. Indeed, no good practice or righteous living is possible without inextricable connection to the Lord and His sovereign, benevolent purpose.

According: giving or granting someone; harmonious or consistent with; in agreement with

Many frustrations arise when God’s people attempt new resolutions and improved behavior without taking into account the accordings that must be in place for God’s work to take place. We might claim salvation according to His grace, but in daily reality lean on our faith as a mustered-up good work that can now produce fruit- as I wish and choose. Unless we establish a foundation on unchanging biblical doctrine that does not sway with cultural tides, we will go adrift, unmoored. And unless we acknowledge that all resolve for righteousness is for naught if not accorded with Christ’s gift and the power of God’s Spirit, passions and pleasures will lead us astray.

Teaching, conveying, reminding among each other are great helps in godly living. Have we acknowledged and put away foolishness? How tightly do we depend on God’s grace to live worthy of Christ’s sacrifice and our salvation? Where do we need to adjust thinking, determination, or surrender according to God’s truth?

Lord, may my words and living accord always with Your truth and glory.

Keep, Seek, Walk- the Only Way

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

How can a young man keep his way pure?
    By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
    let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:1-11

The description is attached to the prescription: the blameless are defined by a distinct way of living. Intrinsically intertwined are keeping the commands, seeking the Lord who issued them, and ongoing active walking in His revealed way. None is independent of the other. Mindset, heart passion, and body and will conformity all make up the blessed life in Christ.

Tripping comes when we let one slide. We voice allegiance, yet fill our minds with alternative ‘truth’ and manmade mantras and preferred opinions over God’s clear word. Whose rules do we actually and exclusively follow? We profess devotion, yet fail to practice even the most basic disciplines to actually seek the Lord. Are we regularly and attentively poring over His word, reading systematically to understand the process of His plans, intentions with His people, and exquisiteness and excellencies of His attributes? Do we take long moments quieted from the world’s input to meditate on Him in prayer- eyes closed, mind concentrating, soul kneeling, worshiping solely for who He is, not just what He’s done? Listening? We claim obedience, but do we justify behavior by comparison? How carefully are we guarding our actions and renouncing temptation? How actively and promptly do we implement His positive commands?

It’s important to know what consumes and compels us, to adjust or correct those drivers, and to be certain to surrender to God’s truth as supreme. When all around us is moving and teasing and pulling, where do we fix our eyes? Do daily necessities and fleeting distractions rule our hours, or have we determined our life course in relation to the Lord? Are we easily dissuaded from keeping course, or do we make decisions and manage urgencies and temptations thoughtfully? What devotion to self and its attending affections keeps us from wholehearted devotion to the Lord? (Psalm 119:15-16,18,24)

How can we hide God’s word in our hearts to guard against sin? What practical defense do His truth and promises wield in everyday buffeting and interactions? What allure to please man stumbles a faithful walk, and what will we do about it? Where do delay and loitering cause us to fall away, and how will we more readily hasten to obey? (Psalm 119:60,69-70,78)

Father, convict me of willful wayfaring, wrong thinking, and weak devotion, and set me straight in zealous, wholehearted obedience to You and for Your glory.

Works Great and Studied

“Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111:2-10

Throughout his moments, days, and years, the psalmist had observed a variety of the works of God. The greater his delight in their wide and captivating array, the more continual his outflow of praise. His increasing bounty of knowledge and wonder magnified and resounded through the ages the honor of his Lord.

Studying God’s works teaches about the God behind and above them. Consider fascinating intertwinings and habits of nature, and behold His creativity, beauty, order, balance, and delighted, intimate involvement. Study His ongoing ways and unfolding plans in history and see His perfect authority, compassion, holiness, and justice. Ponder His interactions with men and women and marvel at His love, mercy, ongoing care, benevolent discipline, and redemptive purposes. The Lord with eternal perspective works all things, past, present, and future, near and abroad, for the good of His children. We see with limited view, His is wide and long. (Psalm 113:5-6; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 13:12)

The benefits of studying God’s great works are many. Wonder is enhanced, worship heightened. We develop fear of the Lord which increases wisdom. We grow in desire to stay in the flow of His works, breeding deeper intimacy, communion, dependence. And greater is our storehouse of wonders to tell abroad so others’ eyes are open and hearts warmed.

What are we doing practically to know God’s works? Do we recognize His hands in the wide world’s and our own everyday? When do we take time for regular, systematic study of His word- His ongoing interactions with men and nations, its exquisite foundation of doctrines and recording of history, its inspired poetry and capture and revelation of God’s heart? How are these familiarizing us with God’s attributes and character? How often do we pause in nature to marvel at dappled light, the way of a fuzzy caterpillar or spotted fish, or wooly clouds, or fuchsia blossoms, then trace the Creator’s hand and motivation? What have we gleaned about His intricate planning, mysterious designs, sense of humor? (Psalm 8:1,3-6; 104:1-24)

As our understanding increases, so should the robustness and variety of our praise. When and how and among whom are we exalting God in expressed kindness and conversation? Who needs to hear of His works so they can set their hope and joy in Him?

Lord, spur me on daily to gain greater understanding of Your works so I know You better and love and praise You more.

What We Worship, What We Become

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Why should the nations say,
    ‘Where is their God?’
Our God is in the heavens;
    he does all that he pleases.

Their idols are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
    eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
    noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
    feet, but do not walk;
    and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
    so do all who trust in them…
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield…

The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
    but the earth he has given to the children of man…
But we will bless the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 115:1-8,11,16,18

The writer’s conversational psalm with the Lord involves deliberation and will. He resolves to honor God above himself, then describes those who would not. He acknowledges the foolishness of those who craft false gods and the sad but common result of their failure to fear and trust the Lord. He closes with repeated commitment, in light of the banal and senseless practices of those around him, to praise his God alone.

The tussle and pull of gods is ubiquitous. Living on this earth, we can in mind and practice confine the true God to the heavens where He dwells, and ignore His gaze and intermingling and influence during our days. We take thought for ourselves, we take glory for ourselves, and we segment God to Sunday church and morning prayers and the sky above.

Occupied here below among a myriad of idols, we get about the making of and absorption in our own gods- my ambition, my dreams, my family, my toys. We carve success trinkets and mold beauty figurines and tune in to our deity-voices. The more focused we are on what we’ve elevated to priority, the more we resemble that which and those we worship. Work etches its strain on our face, unhealthy veneration of our children imprints (and possibly impedes) logic and ministry, and we begin to mimic what we listen and pledge our allegiance to. How will we deal with this constant vying for our heart and soul devotion?

It is important to remember who God is, and what worship He requires. When He reigns supreme in affections and adoration, He will order rightly all other loves. What preoccupations and passions need we set aside to enthrone Him as Sovereign? What can we change so our worship is focused and genuine? Where will we ask Him to infiltrate mindset and affections to make us more like Him? How can we practically heed His call to be holy, in every priority and choice and expression, as He is? (Leviticus 19:2; John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

Oh Lord, not to me be glory, or supremacy, or authority, or too much attention, but to You alone I give all. Purify my loves and worship for the sake of Your glory, so my life reflects and blesses and praises You forever.

All the Somes He Redeems

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble…

Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Some sat in darkness and the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,..
    they fell down, with none to help…
He brought them out…
    and burst their bonds apart…

Some were fools through their sinful ways,
    and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;..
they drew near to the gates of death…
He sent out his word and healed them,
    and delivered them from their destruction…

Some went down to the sea in ships,
    doing business on the great waters… They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
    their courage melted away in their evil plight;
they reeled and staggered like drunken men
    and were at their wits’ end…
He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed…

He turns a desert into pools of water,
    a parched land into springs…
There he lets the hungry…
sow fields and plant vineyards
    and get a fruitful yield.
By his blessing they multiply greatly.” Psalm 107:1-2,4-10,12-14,17-18,20,23,26-27,29,35-38

The psalmist opens wide the great Redeemer’s arms to encompass every some of trouble. The wandering and lost He leads, prisoners He unbinds and frees, suffering fools He heals, those fearful in commerce He calms, the needy He raises with blessing. He delivers from distress, darkness, and destruction, He satisfies the longing soul, stills raging storms, brings fruitfulness to deserts.

No matter my ache, the Lord is working to make it good. From what angst or oppression do I need release? What gripping fear suppresses my breath? What darkness enshrouds my soul and sight? What obstacles loom large and heavy so I cannot step forward? Would I cry to the Lord and watch for His marvelous deliverance? (Joel 2:24; Romans 8:28)

Do we glimpse His light? Do we feel His gentle pull of release? Would we believe His promise? In God’s way and time and measure, He will redeem all things for our good and His glory. It may be soon, it may be when we see Him face-to-face. But the assurance that it will be gives hope in the moment and strength for the next step.

“Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!

Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!” ~Henry Francis Lyte (1834)

Lord, help me trust and hope for Your redemption with ongoing, expectant thankfulness.