There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4.6-8
I can be intimidated by unknowns. This is not an understatement. My confidence is not bolstered in courageously plowing forth. I am regularly and often distinctly un-courageous.
I don’t think it is fear but rather lack of confidence in my capabilities, skills, and grasp of what I am approaching. Or what is approaching me. Umm, maybe it is fear.
Everyday things like new recipes and new equipment (new phone anyone?) sharing a meal in my home (cooking and hosting!) and gift-buying. Life stage things like Medicare or my new dentist being young enough to be my granddaughter! Adventures out of my routine patterns and community.
These are the ramblings of an un-courageous mind and I could regale you for pages. Maybe your mind goes to one or two things too, no matter your phase of life. I cannot remember when this wasn’t a mind-rambling part of my every day.
But the thing I don’t want to do is to not acknowledge how the Lord provides for my self-perceived inabilities in lovely and simple ways. A friend gives me homemade bread. Another friend delivers gourmet homemade cookies once a week in December! My son (or one of his contemporaries) solves my current phone/laptop/Ring doorbell challenge. Again and again the Lord reminds me that with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11.2) and that He adorns the humble with salvation! (Psalm 149.4)
The Lord has answered my prayers time and again when I finally admit my intimidations. He has allowed such meaningful adventures. Years ago I was encouraged to spend some time at Cannon Beach Conference Center in Oregon. The approach of the first visit was nearly my undoing. But God! God provided rest and relationship-building and reliance on Him. Before I returned home, I signed up to come back the next year.
Last Spring I visited the tulip fields near Bellingham for my first time. I’ve heard about it for years and finally invited a friend to go with me who knew the area like a local and it was one of the highlights of my 2024!
So here I admit the reason for this admission of my un-courageous self … Psalms. Reading the Psalms. Studying the Psalms. Whew! I will not list my self-focused reasons (i.e. excuses) for why studying the Psalms is intimidating because I’m sure you can guess by now.
But God! God in His graciousness has allowed a calming of my mind over this as I have sought courage and reliance on Him alone for stepping into this new adventure. I’m anticipating Psalms will be such a worthwhile experience with friends! Even better than Cannon Beach or Tulip Town. The Lord is readying me for this adventure. How about you?
Worship & Wisdom: A Study of Psalms and Proverbs, Part 1 begins January 19. This will be our Sunday sermon series and study text for personal daily study along with being the text for most small groups which will launch that week.
May I just encourage you to take a chance. Buy the workbook on January 19 and connect with a small group. This is how I am leaning into the Psalms study and I invite you to do the same … one step at a time, with others coming alongside, because …
The LORD puts more joy in my heart … so that in peace I will both lie down and sleep … because God alone makes me dwell in safety. (from Psalm 4.6-8)
You will be blessed! Love, Colleen