Have you sprung ahead into Spring attire? With expected temps reaching into the 50’s have you forgone your wintery sweaters? Did it take an extra measure of patience to get your child or grandchild into their warmest coat early in the morning?
We live in a climate that, in my opinion, necessitates layering. Nearly all year we start off with at least one layer we can slip off when the mid-day temps come and slip back on in the shade or by evening. Over the years I’ve compiled a collection of a few layers for every season. They are comfortable, cozy, and even shareable – destined to be old favorites.
I’m thinking similarly about my “collection” of favs from the Psalms and Proverbs. Do you have favorites from the Psalms and Proverbs? A few (or more) that you remind your friend of when she is in a hard season? Or a joyous season? The ones you can almost quote when someone else reads them aloud? With our current study in these two books of the Bible, I find my collection growing. With strong impact, comfort, and prompting to seek the Lord.
I’ve found my heart so encouraged but also so convicted (always a good thing) by words inspired by God and written down about 3000 years ago that feel like they are written for me, for today. They suit this season of life, of community, of country.
For awhile, I’ve relied upon nuggets like Psalm 138.3
On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased.
Or Psalm 23.1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Or Proverbs 3.5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.
Or Proverbs 31.30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Or Psalm 34.8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Or Psalm 27.13-14
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. NASB 1995 translation
With our all-church study, I’ve found myself moving beyond the nugget to the fuller impact and implication, with urgency for drawing near to God in every circumstance, building a firm foundation of trust, reliance, on the Lord as our refuge, our protector, our dwelling place.
We have before us this week Psalm 27. The last two verses are on my nugget list. But all 14 verses show a trust, a confidence, a strong desire to build and keep relationship with the Lord. To see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living … to wait for the Lord.
I want to strongly encourage you in this – allow yourself the blessing of several intentional reads through Psalm 27 this week. It’s the perfect covering and yet prompter for any season.
With joy and deliberate prompting to know the Lord and His ways. Blessings, Colleen