Every morning my husband and I read a Psalm together before we begin the day. Today we are on Psalm 115. We have read psalms of praise, lament and remembrance. Memories of crossing the Red Sea and the years in the Wilderness are recorded.
God’s power over the Red Sea and the Jordan River is extolled. God’s presence, care and salvation is remembered.
We have challenges and troubles like the people of Israel. But in the midst of difficulties we can say that it is well with us. We are blessed because God loves us and will help us if we call out to him.
O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield.
The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those that fear the Lord, both the small and the great. Psalm 115: 9-12 ESV
Note: The photo shows the Dan River–one of the tributaries that flows into the Jordan River from the north. The book of Joshua states that the Jordan River overflows its banks at harvest. But God provided a way for Israel to cross the Jordan: the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap. Joshua 3:13
This post is linked to the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt today is: WELL
As a poet, I love the psalms. Something so holy and peaceful about these words. I am in the 43 spot this week.
Y’all inspired a poem, Carol.
The Psalm that God has made for me,
is number one-four-four,
the call to fight for victory
with fingers trained for war.
My life’s not been a peaceful time,
I’ve fought for life and money
in places thick with sewage-slime;
no lands of milk and honey.
But there were folks who needed us,
the missionaries’ flocks
tossed perforce beneath the bus
while realpolitik talks.
And now, I’m become cancer’s chattel,
but to me, it’s just another battle.
#2 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/06/your-dying-spouse-629-you-only-keep.html
Excellent, Andrew! Blessings
We don’t have to try and cross the rushing waters on our own! We only need to cry out to Him and He will make a way! Great reminder!
The water of the Dan River was rushing and turbulent when I took this picture during our trip to Israel. It has added insight to Joshua’s experience as he stood before the Jordan River. God’s power over nature is awesome.
The Psalms are so encouraging. I love how they show us we can be honest with God however we feel. I love the reminder you share here to trust in God because he is our help and our shield.
Thanks for visiting, Lesley. Yes, the Psalms show us that it is okay to pray in praise, lament and when we have doubts and fear.