"A Psalm for Troubling Times"

 

“A Psalm for Troubling Times”

 

Karen and I are currently reading through the Psalms together and discussing how they speak to us. Most of these poems were written out of the authors’ personal experiences so they’re relevant for us as readers because many of the circumstances of our lives are similar to theirs. Since the Scriptures are “…useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness….” (2 Timothy 3:16) we find help in coping with issues which confront us.

Psalms 22-24 form a triad describing the ministry of Jesus. In Psalm 22 we see His past work of paying the price for our sin on the cross; Psalm 23 describes His present role as our Shepherd and Caregiver; and in Psalm 24 He’s seen as the future Ruler of all there is. The days in which we’re living are difficult for us as God’s people as we see Him being pushed out of our culture. This led Karen to paraphrase Psalm 23 as it spoke to her:

“(1) Lord, You watch over me in every way, providing for my needs. You are attentive to me and care for me deeply. What else could I possibly want? (2) You don’t throw me into chaos but show me Your world of peace and rest and invite me to spend my days there. (3) And it is there that I can recharge and regain my strength as You refill me with Your perfect peace. You give me the ability to keep walking in Your steps and not my own and that glorifies You! (4) Dark and troublesome times do come into my life, as they do for everyone, and sometimes they weigh me down so heavily I think I might never be able to get up again. But I know—I KNOW—You are with me and don’t abandon me. I remember who You are and soak in Your peace and comfort, knowing I am not alone. (5) Troubles as well as people who hurt me might gloat over me, believing they have the upper hand but I have the hand of God Himself upon my life! You will openly bless me so those against me can see Your protection over me and Your love for me, and I realize with a new freshness how very blessed I am because of You! (6) All that You are, Lord—good and full of mercy, loving me unconditionally and completely—You are the One I count on to be with me throughout every day of my life and throughout eternity when I can finally be in Your presence and see Your beautiful face!”

In these troubling times God hasn’t abandoned us (“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,”—Hebrews 13:5, emphasis added). So we can say with David, “I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.” (Psalm 3:6). Remember—God’s got this (and everything else).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Karen and Jim McMillan