Some Psalms

About two weeks ago when Melissa was in the hospital, Psalm 77 seemed to speak to something important. Barb Foster highlighted these verses:

“The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen” (Psalm 77:16-19). Many of us are familiar with the “Footprints” poem that talk about seeing two sets of footprints, ours and God’s, then, when trouble comes, seeing only one and wondering where God is, but it’s His footprints because He’s carrying us. These verses add a twist to that. This God of Creation, the God if Israel, His footprints don’t show up! In spite of unbelievable power, no footprints—just the deep shadows of the natural world. We meditated on God being present in ways much more powerful than if we actually saw His footprints.

And then a few days ago, I read Psalms 126-130. I like reading 126-128, especially now. As prayer, I think they say everything I am needing to say lately.

“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them’” (Psalm 126:1-2).

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labors. Blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table” (Psalm 128:1-3).