Easy as 1, 2, 3

We are up to Psalm 123, so I couldn’t resist the title for this post. I have also written in this blog over 160 times. It is amazing.
This morning I am sitting in the room we use most during the day with a little space heater running full blast. We have run out of heating oil and hope that more will be delivered today. Mom and Dad are snuggled under their electric blanket in bed [I hope they are behaving themselves.] But, as I sit under my blanket I am thankful for all that we have today. During these cold days I have often given thanks for all I have each day and pray for those who do not; those who do not have a warm home, those who do not have a car that works reliably, those who do not have warm coats and hats and mittens. I enjoy so many blessings and I pray I can help those who struggle on the margins of life.

This short psalm speaks elegantly of our attentiveness to God. Probably you have not been a servant, but the idea of complete focus on another, awaiting their instruction is a powerful one. I took my Dad to see “12 Years a Slave”. It is a powerful and difficult to watch, mostly because it is all true and, most painfully, there are still those who are in similar circumstances today. I think of those slaves watching “the masters” for every nuance of emotion trying to avoid wrath and get safely through one more day.

1-4 I look to you, heaven-dwelling God,
look up to you for help.
Like servants, alert to their master’s commands,
like a maiden attending her lady,
We’re watching and waiting, holding our breath,
awaiting your word of mercy.
Mercy, God, mercy!
We’ve been kicked around long enough,
Kicked in the teeth by complacent rich men,
kicked when we’re down by arrogant brutes.

So, we all await God’s mercy. Also I pray we can be a living example of God’s mercy in this world, keeping watchful for God’s commands.

Pilgrims Have Arrived

Yesterday song was one used as pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem for festival days. In today’s psalm they have arrived and sing a song of joy for Jerusalem. Muslins, Jews and Christians all revere the city of Jerusalem. It is sad that because of this it have often become a battleground.

A Pilgrim Song of David
122 1-2 When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,”
my heart leaped for joy.
And now we’re here, O Jerusalem,
inside Jerusalem’s walls!

3-5
Jerusalem, well-built city,
built as a place for worship!
The city to which the tribes ascend,
all God’s tribes go up to worship,
To give thanks to the name of God—
this is what it means to be Israel.
Thrones for righteous judgment
are set there, famous David-thrones.

6-9
Pray for Jerusalem’s peace!
Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!
Friendly insiders, get along!
Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!
For the sake of my family and friends,
I say it again: live in peace!
For the sake of the house of our God, God,
I’ll do my very best for you

Let us join in the stream of God-worshipers and continue the prayer for peace for Jerusalem.

Also, this day reflect on the place that has become sacred for your worship of God. I have lived in a number of different places and worship in many sanctuaries; yet I think the chapel at Mount Saviour Monastery is a place that calls me to return on pilgrimage.

Peace be your journey this day.

Traveling is Dangerous

Psalm 121 was used by pilgrims as they set out on a journey. Usually they were traveling to Jerusalem on a holy pilgrimage. Have you ever wonder that we spend our opportunities to travel on vacation to places to be pampered and in ancient times their opportunity to travel was to honor God and walk to and through dangerous places??

It is said that the group of pilgrims for the holy city would gather in their town square and begin to sing this psalm. You may be more familiar with the translation, “I life up my to the hills – from where will my help come?”

121 1-2 I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

3-4
He won’t let you stumble,
your Guardian God won’t fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel’s
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

5-6
God’s your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

7-8
God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always.

This is the song of assurance and hope that the pilgrims sang along the way. In a dry and arid land, God protected them from sunstroke, even from moonstroke. I enjoy how many ways the psalms finds to tell of God’s protection for the people of God.

This word of assurance is our again today. God will guard you when you leave and when you return, God guards you now and guards you always.

Alfred North Whitehead said, “Creation is a continuing process, and the process is itself the actuality, since no sooner do you arrive than you start on a fresh journey.”

Enjoy the journey this day and KNOW that God goes with you. Blessings and peace as you travel the dangerous byways of life.

Life in our World

This is another psalm of lament. It starts out with the standard calling to God for help, but what strikes me about this song of pain is the writers distress that people always seem to be at war.

120 1-2 I’m in trouble. I cry to God,
desperate for an answer:
“Deliver me from the liars, God!
They smile so sweetly but lie through their teeth.”

God is asked for deliverance and the wrongdoers are promised punishment.

3-4
Do you know what’s next, can you see what’s coming,
all you barefaced liars?
Pointed arrows and burning coals
will be your reward.

Sometimes I feel like the writer, “My whole life lived camping among quarreling neighbors.” This is not the experience of local neighbors, but of international ones. There never seems to be an end to people fighting for power and wealth. And those who live on the margins of life just wanting food, shelter and security. It is amazing the reasons we find to kill and destroy one another. I find myself, with the psalmist, wanting peace and finding war.

5-7
I’m doomed to live in Meshech,
cursed with a home in Kedar,
My whole life lived camping
among quarreling neighbors.
I’m all for peace, but the minute
I tell them so, they go to war!

Join me in praying for peace for our world today and protection for those who suffer most because of war.

Beginning and End

Hello Friends, at the beginning of this new week, we will be ending Psalm 119. If you have read parts 1-3, this section will be more of the same. The psalmist praises God for God’s wonderful instructions, pleads with God for release from his enemies and plans to continue to travel God’s path.

The first line of this section talks about “the word” God gives. Joan Chittister did a video series on the ancient practice of God’s Words of wisdom and grace given to the desert mothers and fathers and passed on to the seekers on the journey. This type of word is something that is conveyed with a deep humility and gentleness; it truly becomes a “miracle word”.

129-136
Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody’s living by your book!

It is a frustration that so few seem to be seeking God’s way. If you had the opportunity to tell some how to live by God’s book, what would you say. When asked what was most important, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might and love your neighbor as yourself.” I think that covers it.

137-144
You are right and you do right, God;
your decisions are right on target.
You rightly instruct us in how to live
ever faithful to you.
My rivals nearly did me in,
they persistently ignored your commandments.
Your promise has been tested through and through,
and I, your servant, love it dearly.
I’m too young to be important,
but I don’t forget what you tell me.
Your righteousness is eternally right,
your revelation is the only truth.
Even though troubles came down on me hard,
your commands always gave me delight.
The way you tell me to live is always right;
help me understand it so I can live to the fullest.

God’s way are always right. This is of course true, because if God created us, knows us, then it makes complete sense that God’s ways are right for us. Remember, this means forgiveness for everyone, even those [particularly those] who do not deserve it.

145-152
I call out at the top of my lungs,
“God! Answer! I’ll do whatever you say.”
I called to you, “Save me
so I can carry out all your instructions.”
I was up before sunrise,
crying for help, hoping for a word from you.
I stayed awake all night,
prayerfully pondering your promise.
In your love, listen to me;
in your justice, God, keep me alive.
As those out to get me come closer and closer,
they go farther and farther from the truth you reveal;
But you’re the closest of all to me, God,
and all your judgments true.
I’ve known all along from the evidence of your words
that you meant them to last forever.

153-160
Take a good look at my trouble, and help me—
I haven’t forgotten your revelation.
Take my side and get me out of this;
give me back my life, just as you promised.
“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked
because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary.
Your mercies, God, run into the billions;
following your guidelines, revive me.
My antagonists are too many to count,
but I don’t swerve from the directions you gave.
I took one look at the quitters and was filled with loathing;
they walked away from your promises so casually!
Take note of how I love what you tell me;
out of your life of love, prolong my life.
Your words all add up to the sum total: Truth.
Your righteous decisions are eternal.

In this next stanza the psalmist says that seven times each day I stop and shot praises. The Benedictine monks and nuns take this seriously and meet 7 times a day to recite the psalms and worship together. I have been on retreat in a Benedictine community several times and this tradition creates a wonderfully blessed rhythm of the day.

161-168
I’ve been slandered unmercifully by the politicians,
but my awe at your words keeps me stable.
I’m ecstatic over what you say,
like one who strikes it rich.
I hate lies—can’t stand them!—
but I love what you have revealed.
Seven times each day I stop and shout praises
for the way you keep everything running right.
For those who love what you reveal, everything fits—
no stumbling around in the dark for them.
I wait expectantly for your salvation;
God, I do what you tell me.
My soul guards and keeps all your instructions—
oh, how much I love them!
I follow your directions, abide by your counsel;
my life’s an open book before you.

169-176
Let my cry come right into your presence, God;
provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.
Give my request your personal attention,
rescue me on the terms of your promise.
Let praise cascade off my lips;
after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!
And let your promises ring from my tongue;
every order you’ve given is right.
Put your hand out and steady me
since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.
I’m homesick, God, for your salvation;
I love it when you show yourself!
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,
use your decrees to put iron in my soul.
And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!
I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

I pray you can recognize God’s voice as you travel the path of God.

The Longest Psalm – Part 3

This is the more whiney part of the psalm. The writer is beset by an enemy and asks for God’s help. I know in my life, I have been my own worst enemy. I think holding on to God is the only way through. I understand the writer’s feelings, “they’ve pushed and pushed – they never let up – but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.” God’s wisdom is the only hope in a world filled with pain, distraction, and difficulties.

I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
so I can alertly obey your every word.

89-96
What you say goes, God,
and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
it’s as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.
If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.
I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

One of the wonderful paradoxes of the nature of God is that God never changes and God is always new. God is as enduring as the orbit of the earth and as new as each new morning. It is an amazing nature filled with love for God’s creation.

97-104
Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed;
I reverently ponder it all the day long.
Your commands give me an edge on my enemies;
they never become obsolete.
I’ve even become smarter than my teachers
since I’ve pondered and absorbed your counsel.
I’ve become wiser than the wise old sages
simply by doing what you tell me.
I watch my step, avoiding the ditches and ruts of evil
so I can spend all my time keeping your Word.
I never make detours from the route you laid out;
you gave me such good directions.
Your words are so choice, so tasty;
I prefer them to the best home cooking.
With your instruction, I understand life;
that’s why I hate false propaganda.

I must say, that even though I tried to watch all my steps, I don’t always avoid the ditches. It has become easier, as I have grown older in faith. The journey becomes a way of life that transform life. God’s words are like the best home cooking OR the best batch of fudge. YUM!

105-112
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.

113-120
I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.

121-128
I stood up for justice and the right;
don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
Take the side of your servant, good God;
don’t let the godless take advantage of me.
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
It’s time to act, God;
they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!
Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
Yea-Saying God, I honor everything you tell me,
I despise every deceitful detour.

The phrase “showing up is 90% of the job” often floats through my head. I think just trying again and again, in all circumstances, to life our faith will bring us to a deeper place of dwelling with God. To draw deep from God’s word and from our own energy to life each day will bring us to a place with the psalmist to say, “Yea-saying God, I love what you command, I love it better than gold and gemstones.” It is God’s word that has directions for the way of life. I pray you cling close to those words today. AND STAY WARM! Peace,

The Longest Psalm – Part 2

We are getting a big snow. It is a great day to stay tucked up in bed and blog about this wonderfully long psalm.

Journey has become one of the central imagines for our faith life. This imagine, like this psalm, reflect the concept of a lifetime of growing in God and learning the ways of god. The first stanza talks of this journey and asks that, “my whole life [be] on long, obedient response.” It is a wonderful thought. This living will lead to a person, “bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.” Just think about how much time we spend piling up loot. Christmas has ended, but the shopping continues. So I ask with the psalmist, Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.”

33-40
God, teach me lessons for living
so I can stay the course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
my whole life one long, obedient response.
Guide me down the road of your commandments;
I love traveling this freeway!
Give me a bent for your words of wisdom,
and not for piling up loot.
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets,
invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
Affirm your promises to me—
promises made to all who fear you.
Deflect the harsh words of my critics—
but what you say is always so good.
See how hungry I am for your counsel;
preserve my life through your righteous ways!

The psalm continues this the affirmation that the way we make it through this life’s difficultly is by being shaped by God’s love. It was an interesting weekend for me. I saw “12 Years a Slave” with my Dad, because he really wanted to see the movie and then we celebrated Dr. King’s birthday. For me, Dr. King was enable to do what he did by God’s strength. He embodied the line, “Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery because I trusted your Word.” Dr. King took us to the mountain top with him because his life was shaped by God’s love and justice.

41-48
Let your love, God, shape my life
with salvation, exactly as you promised;
Then I’ll be able to stand up to mockery
because I trusted your Word.
Don’t ever deprive me of truth, not ever—
your commandments are what I depend on.
Oh, I’ll guard with my life what you’ve revealed to me,
guard it now, guard it ever;
And I’ll stride freely through wide open spaces
as I look for your truth and your wisdom;
Then I’ll tell the world what I find,
speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed.
I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—
relishing every fragment of your counsel.

49-56
Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times;
yes, your promises rejuvenate me.
The insolent ridicule me without mercy,
but I don’t budge from your revelation.
I watch for your ancient landmark words,
and know I’m on the right track.
But when I see the wicked ignore your directions,
I’m beside myself with anger.
I set your instructions to music
and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.
I meditate on your name all night, God,
treasuring your revelation, O God.
Still, I walk through a rain of derision
because I live by your Word and counsel.

My favorite line from this last stanza is, “I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way.” I have learned a number of scripture passages set to music and know a lot of hymns. It is a wonderful day when these are the words singing through my head throughout the day.

57-64
Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise
to do everything you say.
I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile,
be gracious to me just as you promised.
When I took a long, careful look at your ways,
I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.
I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,
was quick to follow your orders.
The wicked hemmed me in—there was no way out—
but not for a minute did I forget your plan for me.
I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
your decisions are so right, so true—I can’t wait till morning!
I’m a friend and companion of all who fear you,
of those committed to living by your rules.
Your love, God, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel.

The line, “I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;”, is why Benedictine monks I visited get up at 4:30 am for their first worship service. It was one the first one of the day and one of my favorites. It began with the call and response, “O Lord open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise,” said three times. I have often thought what a wonderful day it would be if the only time I opened my mouth was to declare God’s grace and love and praise God’s name. And as the Benedictines and the psalm remind us, this kind of life takes training!

65-72
Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I’m thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I’m in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They’re bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine.

This stanza is artfully true. The psalmist asks to be trained in common sense; what a wonderful and rare gift these days. If we are not on God’s path, we are wondering all over the place. It is on God’s path that our lives have meaning and purpose and direction [pointed towards God]. Again, that are great insights into our human life in this song, without God, our lives are as, “bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of your revelation.” It is in God’s presence and power where meaningful creativity abounds. AND, even the bad time turn out for the best because we learn deeper the truths of God’s way. I know this is true for my life It is an amazing journey.

73-80
With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,
those who fear you will take heart and be glad.
I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;
your testing has taught me what’s true and right.
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight!
just the way you promised.
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;
your revelation is the tune I dance to.
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;
they tried to sell me a bill of goods,
but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.
Let those who fear you turn to me
for evidence of your wise guidance.
And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,
so I can always walk with my head held high.

I pray you continue to dance in God’s revelations this day, with the scripture singing in your head. Peace.

The Longest Psalm – Part 1

Did you know that the longest Psalm is 118. It is wonderful and has 176 verses. There have been times in this blog where I have just omitted verses on longer psalm, but on this one I want you to have the opportunity to read every one; and give me the chance to write about it. [The gift to me of writing about it is that it puts it deeper into my heart and soul.] So, I have decided to blog about Psalm 118 over the next four posting. I hope you enjoy and grow from this incredible song.

Psalm 118 is rooted in the Hebrew alphabet. The first stanza being with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and continue in that order for 22 stanzas. Probably you, like me, can’t read the original Hebrew, so you don’t get the orderliness of this psalm. The psalm was written in this way because the subject is very important. It is about our journey with God.

In the Benedictine monastery I used to visit, they took eight different times during the week to read through this psalm. Since, my patience, nor my endurance is not up to the standard of the monks, I will be blogging about the psalm in four session.

The psalm is answering the question of how to live life. It is not how to live a God life, but how any human will find a full life. It is easy to understand this point of view, since in the Judeo-Christian tradition, we have been created by God, and God’s spirit was breathed into us. So, the fullness of life is in following the path of our creator and inspirer. The writer is clear that going off on our own is bad; it will not lead us to a blessed life.

1-8 You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.

The question for any culture is how to get teenagers headed in the right direction in their lives. It is a true gift to find a life in God when we are young and follow the map that God has given. I remember that I attended my first Bible study when I was 16 years old. I was amazed by what was in the Bible and how much clearer it became when I studied it with others.
I love Eugene Peterson paraphrase, “I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” God’s promises are the greatest things to put into our heart. And, let’s face it, we are going to sin, but at least we will lose God. We will just have to turn around to find God waiting there for us.

9-16
How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Be blessed, God;
train me in your ways of wise living.
I’ll transfer to my lips
all the counsel that comes from your mouth;
I delight far more in what you tell me about living
than in gathering a pile of riches.
I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you’ve done it.
I relish everything you’ve told me of life,
I won’t forget a word of it.

The request from the writer is for God’s generosity and a promise to keep their eyes on God’s path. It is a combination that works. My experience is that when I keep my eyes on God’s path, I feel God’s presence, love and grace. I like the imagine that when neighbors are gossiping about me, I’m absorbed in thinking about God’s wise counsel – clueless to the hate; alive to the love. It think it is a great way to live.

17-24
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I’m a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors!

Yet, there are always those times that we fall, we stray from the path and feel awful. Of course, the great news is that we just have to call out to God; humble ourselves to say we are lost, and God picks us up and puts us back on the way. I think when we get lost and God sets us back on course, we grow stronger in our faith of God’s love. I learn that we can rely on God anytime, all the time, to care for us. Sometimes it is a hard lesson, but it is one that can bring power to our live.

25-32
I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!
Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?
When I told my story, you responded;
train me well in your deep wisdom.
Help me understand these things inside and out
so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.

So, I hope this day, God will indeed barricade the “Nowhere” road and help you and me along the path to “Somewhere”. Living deep in God’s word is a great place to be. I am looking forward to talking about more of Psalm 118 next time. Peace.

Repeating Good Things

Psalm 118 uses a simple tool for emphasizing the greatness of God by repeating praise statements for God.

1-4 Thank God because he’s good,
because his love never quits.
Tell the world, Israel,
“His love never quits.”
And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world,
“His love never quits.”
And you who fear God, join in,
“His love never quits.”

It is a good thing to remember anytime that, God’s love never quits!

5-16
Pushed to the wall, I called to God;
from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God’s now at my side and I’m not afraid;
who would dare lay a hand on me?
God’s my strong champion;
I flick off my enemies like flies.
Far better to take refuge in God
than trust in people;
Far better to take refuge in God
than trust in celebrities.
Hemmed in by barbarians,
in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Hemmed in and with no way out,
in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;
Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;
in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.
I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,
when God grabbed and held me.
God’s my strength, he’s also my song,
and now he’s my salvation.
Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
in the camp of the saved?
“The hand of God has turned the tide!
The hand of God is raised in victory!
The hand of God has turned the tide!”

I love the way Eugene Peterson paraphrases the scripture. The sentence,”Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, God answered., is a wonderful way to express the limited nature of human beings and the vast power that God has to change our circumstances. The psalmist is in trouble, trusts in God and then repeats, “in God’s name I rubbed their faces in the dirt” and all the praise goes to God.

17-20
I didn’t die. I lived!
And now I’m telling the world what God did.
God tested me, he pushed me hard,
but he didn’t hand me over to Death.
Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates!
I’ll walk right through and thank God!
This Temple Gate belongs to God,
so the victors can enter and praise.

In verses 21-25 is a phrase associated with Jesus, “the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” and paraphrased by Peterson. If we look at this phrase in this context and think more broadly about it, it becomes clear that many people of God have become unlikely leaders. People who the world discards, can become foundational leaders – it is God’s work – the possibilities are endless.
21-25
Thank you for responding to me;
you’ve truly become my salvation!
The stone the masons discarded as flawed
is now the capstone!
This is God’s work.
We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!
This is the very day God acted—
let’s celebrate and be festive!
Salvation now, God. Salvation now!
Oh yes, God—a free and full life!

It is God who has the power and the possibilities and it is us who give the praise. Has God given you hope today? It is something to sing to God about? You know, God’s love never quits!

26-29
Blessed are you who enter in God’s name—
from God’s house we bless you!
God is God,
he has bathed us in light.
Festoon the shrine with garlands,
hang colored banners above the altar!
You’re my God, and I thank you.
O my God, I lift high your praise.
Thank God—he’s so good.
His love never quits!

Here’s one to memorize

Hello Friends,

I have been reading the psalms for years and even visited a Benedictine monastery where they recite all the psalms each week, but it never realized 117 was so brief. It is a simple, short, song of praise.

1-2 Praise God, everybody!
Applaud God, all people!
God’s love has taken over our lives;
God’s faithful ways are eternal.
Hallelujah!

Wouldn’t this be a great psalm to memorize and have in your head al the time. I think Eugene Peterson paraphrase, “God’s love has taken over our lives;”, that is a wonderful place to live.

I pray you find joy in this day that God has given us and you can feel that God’s love has taken over your life.

Peace