The summer went by too quickly. I didn’t get a vacation—“w-a-a-a-a”. Sluggish and weary, I don’t feel mentally geared up for a busy fall.
I run to the Psalms—the book that understands.
Why do I love the Psalms? When I flip over to those pages I find my melancholy self there. In the mix of praise and lament I see me. I linger and listen and learn. Eventually I find my way through the maze of unanswered prayers, directionless wandering, and the insecure nagging of the unresolved in my life.
Psalms grant me permission to voice my frustrations with all things temporal—it’s a safe place to vent. In the company of a patient Friend, who is undaunted by the bends in the road, and my lack of unquestioned obedience, the honest words of ancient believers point me back to the One-and-Only.
I recite aloud life-breathing words from Psalm 90:
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
“Teach us to number our days
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
My spirit gets a jumpstart. I feel renewed and revived. Mental energy returns. I’m ready to keep trudging, keep battling, keep pressing on.
We would all love to hear how you are gearing up for a busy fall. What can we do to breathe life into our weariness, so that we’re prepared for the upcoming tasks God has for us?
Psalms is my favorite book. Communication (articulating my thoughts and prayers) has always been difficult for me. The psalms teach me how to pray and what to say when I’m all tongue tied. Thank you for sharing your sermons, Janet. I look forward to hearing them.
Hi Holly, The Psalms are a never ending source of encouragement. We have a thriving women’s ministry at our church. It is my great privilege to teach in this setting. This was my 4th summer to teach different psalms.
Mega-Memorizing minds think alike! Thought of you very early this am, and BAM, there you are in my in box. I agree whole heartedly about the Psalms. Psalm 34 is on my review list today. My Watermark App is always open and I am so thankful for the teachings from all the different ministries. It is the HUGEST blessing in my life while I am living in a place with so many churches (on every corner?) but they are either lacking in sound doctrine or Mormon. (…There are LITERALLY 10 mormon churches I could EASILY walk to from my house ).
Love you my friend.
Hi Cherie, I have not memorized Psalm 34 but I wish would have. Maybe it can go on my list for next year. I’m so glad the ministries of my church go far and wide, even to Idaho.
I tired watermark.org/message and numbers you suggested but received the message, “Sorry, message not found” I tried on 8/17.
Hi Shirley, I will check on that and get back with you.
Janet,
Thank you for including the links to your Summer in the Psalms! I spent my summer immersed in Psalm 119. A couple of my students confessed that they were skeptical we could spend 8 weeks in one psalm . . .but these 176 verses, oh such riches! It was as though we had an intimate view of how to process difficult relationships; adversity; temptation to sin; godly friendships, just to name a few. God is so personal and intentional that He doesn’t just say “do this or else;” He not only gives us His law, but also shows us how to live it out!
It was such a balm to my very weary soul, as my health continues to decline . . .
We just started a 9-week study in Philippians, how to have unshakeable joy. I’m taking a memorizing “break” from psalm 119 to work my way through Philippians
Beverly, Your study on Psalm 119 sounds AWESOME, and a continual reminder of the majesty and practicality of God’s Word. So sorry to hear about your health. Though the outward body is fading away, may your spirit be renewed day by day. We press on to see his face. Sending a hug your way!