Tuesday, June 21, 2005

I can do all things in him

It has been some time since I have posted a purely spiritual entry, so I thought a return to one today might do me (and hopefully others) well. During morning prayer today, I came accross the reflection I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). The reflection led me to Psalm 144(1-10), and it was so encouraging to me after a rough and axious day on Monday. Psalm 144 goes:

Blessed be the Lord, my rock
who trains my arms for battle,
who prepares my hands for war.
He is my love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my savior,
my shield, my place of refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule.

Lord, what is man that you care for him,
mortal man, that you keep him in mind;
man, who is merely a breath,
whose life fades like a passing shadow?

Lower your heavens and come down;
touch the mountains; wreathe them in smoke.
Flash your lightnings; rout the foe,
shoot your arrows and put them to flight.

Reach down from heaven and save me;
draw me out from the mighty waters,
from the hands of alien foes
whose mouths are filled with lies,
whose hands are raised in perjury.

To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp
to you who give kings their victory,
who set David your servent free.

Whether you are a Christian, or a Muslim, or an athiest, or a Hindu, or Jew, I am positive that at some point in our lives we have felt embattled, tortured, unfairly accused and ridiculed. This psalm speaks to the hope we can have in such situations, for there is always refuge if we look. For the faithful, that refuge is in God. For the unbeliever, perhaps it is in someone else. In God there is such unconditional love that he can reach down from heaven and save us, he can be our love and fortress.

There are days, like yesterday, where I was so tired, so frustrated, so weary of work and life that I did not know where to go, who to turn to, or what to say. It is during those times that I must remember to have faith, for through faith all things are possible. I must remember that I am not unworthy, even though I am a sinner, for Christ's death and resurrection has washed me clean in the blood of the lamb. In times of difficulty I must turn to the Lord in my sinfulness, and through his mercy and my repentence find comfort, shelter, and love.

Have a great day everyone!
Peace and Love,
Charley

 
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