The Psalms were written when the enemies were real... death literally stalked the writers. And while it is true that we are not engaged in battles with marching armies - and with lions and tigers - we do well to remember that we are also beset by enemies even though they be inward. And if we are going to be victorious in our spiritual warfare it will be as God helps us to defeat a host of enemies such as pride, lust, worry, divided loyalty, depression, lack of willpower, anger, greed and countless other contestants for our souls.
When we read and pray as embattled strugglers on our spiritual pathways the Psalms become deep sources of comfort and help to us.
Since you gave me that book in 1987, I have prayed the Psalms differently.
And in this mornings Psalm 71 as well:
For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me;
those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, “God has forsaken him;
pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him.”
Do not be far from me, my God;
come quickly, God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame;
may those who want to harm me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
This morning I stop and remember the days of my youth, prompted also by yesterday's letter to Bill. How much more I can see, now at the age of 55, that You, O Lord, have indeed been my hope. Whether walking the back woods of my grandfather's farm or sitting under the stars at Camp John Knox. Whether being kicked out of college or being dumped by a girlfriend. Over the years You have been patiently enticing me into Your love.
Even still my accusers seek their influence upon me. Inwardly they work to seize me and spiral me into a dark hole of self-pity. Voices, if you will, speaking of past hurts and wrongs that invite me to write argumentative dialogues with others that I always win. Curse not these people in my life, O Lord, they are my Family. Instead, rescue me from the pit of disappointment, save me from thinking that there is any nourishment an empty, black cave might offer to me, Your child.
From birth I have relied on You.
You alone have been my portion.
I have been carried to this place of wonder in life:
A marriage of 31 years to my best friend.
Three children who love You.
Two daughter-in-laws that know that You alone are God.
A grandson and another on the way.
A wealth of Family.
A body that can praise you with a shovel in hand.
Ears that are learning to listen.
A tongue that is doing less self-talk.
Through You, Jesus, Your child is becoming a sign to many.
Not to me, Lord, not to me,
but to Your Name be the glory,
because of Your love and faithfulness.
