Psalms 56, 57 (58) * 64, 65; Leviticus 16:1-19; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and will not be afraid, for what can flesh do to me? (Ps. 56:4)
So many of the Psalms revolve around misfortune and pain and suffering. Some ask where is God, this one does not. This one provides a clear belief and faith that God will protect us, that there is something beyond this world's injuries to which we can look forward.
So much of the Psalms seem to, quite honestly, be depressing: violence all around, unkindness to the psalmist, loss, desolation. But there are glimmers of hope, glimmers of a beauty and a love that is beyond our understanding. Life can, often times, be summed up by these difficult Psalms.....but what can flesh do to us if our focus is on God and doing what we are called upon to do? This is a difficult mindset in which to stay, but there can be a confidence and a joy afforded us when we step into this gift of a centered acknowledgment of God's loving embrace for us, when all around us turns to crap.
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Copyright 2008, John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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