When the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?
The toll of the wicked on the earth around us – on people, communities, nations, even nature – is immense and destructive.
The wicked, in their interest to satisfy themselves, and to wreak havoc on the righteous, have damaged even the foundations. The foundations of community, of the churches, of the towns and nations, of the physical world.
What are the righteous to do?
Take refuge in the Lord!
There is no place to run and hide, so the best, really only place of refuge, is in the Lord. Trusting that He holds us today and in the future.
LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide in times of trouble?
How honest we can be with the Lord!
I was reflecting on this question just this morning, in light of recent tragedy. Why does it seem like the Lord isn’t involved, doesn’t care?
This Psalm asks this question because of the wicked who torment the weak and vulnerable in society without consequence, it seems. And they do it assuring themselves there are no consequences because they believe there is no God.
The promise of this Psalm, both for interpersonal relationships and the tragedies of natural disaster (or so it seems to me): God will intervene on behalf of those who are weak, helpless, vulnerable.
God sees.
He cares.
He will act.
He has His own timetable, his own agenda.
And, of course, sin is having its way, destructive to all – while we await, with faith, the day!
(An earlier version of the illustration for Psalm 8.)
When I observe your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you set in place, what is a human being that you remember him?
The world and the universe in which it is set, are utterly awe-inspiring,
amazing,
beautiful,
majestic –
unbelievable at times.
What an incredible thing: to be able to see, hear, smell, taste, move through this glorious world.
Then to realize that God, creator, sustainer of life – majestic Himself, beyond the glory of His creation – that God has also created humans, and cares for us!
What depths of love.
Heights of mercy.
That Creator God cares at all for any of us, let alone each of us.
LORD my God, I seek refuge in you; Save me from all my pursuers and rescue me.
David, in writing this Psalm, sought refuge in the Lord, and counted on his own integrity and righteousness to provide a reason for God to take his side, rescue and protect him (see vv. 3-5).
Lord, my confidence in my own righteousness is non-existent. I call out for refuge based on faith that I seek salvation, rescue, through Jesus Christ – through His righteousness and integrity.
Lord, rescue me – though I claim no foundation on my own. I do declare my faith in Jesus and trust that as you love Him, His righteousness will cover my iniquity.
In that place, in that secure fortress, I do shelter and seek your almighty hand of rescue.
______
Today ends the first week of this new project. I’m finding it enjoyable and I intend to keep on.
As the week comes to an end, this is a last look at a slice of the first illustration in the project. Tomorrow I’ll move on to the next illustration (hoping for one new illustration each week). To be honest, this first illustration, even though I painted it multiple times is one of my least favorite. I haven’t captured exactly what I had in mind. It is likely I’ll paint this idea again. (I’m learning a lot each day I try to paint.) If I do this illustration again, and if it turns out in any way to be palatable, I’ll pop it on the blog. (That goes for future illustrations too – even the ones I already sorta like. If I paint it again, I’ll post it again. )
I have not the strength, or health, physical or spiritual, to overcome the rot of disease.
My soul, diseased by sin, weakened by neglect and abuse, must rely solely on the grace and gracious mercy of You, Lord.
I admit my need before you, made clear by the press of the world around me. I put myself in this spot – and now I realize I am much too weak to survive, or even attempt to control the outcome.
So, Lord, I do all I know to do and cry out to you!
Once again, as you have many times before,
Be gracious to me.
It is by grace, through faith – not by any works I have done; Lord, by your grace, once again
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you and watch expectantly.
I rarely miss my opportunity to plead my case to the Lord. I trust He’s there to hear, and I believe He hears and answers prayers.
That’s what my mind, my heart, thinks and says, especially early in the day.
It’s the “expectant watching” that I so easily overlook. Once I’ve uttered the prayer, I should be on the lookout for the work of the Lord.
But I lack attention and , if I’m honest, lack faith that prayer ever really changes things, and so I forget, neglect, don’t even think about being on “watch” for the Lord’s work.
Faithless. Weak, I am.
But He is not.
I shall watch, and I shall see the work of the Lord!
How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie?
The Psalmist speaks for God – or repeats what he has heard. God has taken notice of what we love, and how we spend our time attention, energy, and resources. And He declares those things “worthless – a lie,” that falsely offer:
peace
security
happiness
joy
fulfillment
but delivering:
strife
danger
depression
sadness
and wasting our lives.
How long?
Lord, open my eyes to reality: to see as you see, to love as you love, to value as you value, to know the Truth and discover that He sets me free from the worthless lies offered by this world.
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
When people talk about us (see verse 2) it is a common, normal, understandable response to hang your head in shame, or embarrassment, or to lower your head in anger – avoidance; hiding.
But when people talk – the Lord, my Lord, whom I love, who loves me and protects me – gently places a hand under my forlorn chin and raises my face to Himself.
“You are mine – loved – protected,” He might say.
No shame here.
Here’s an early version of the Psalm 1 illustration.
The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them. – Psalm 2:4
Harsh!?!
That God almighty, ruling from His superior place in heaven would ridicule “anyone”?
I thought God loves us. Cares for us. Wants us to approach Him as Heavenly Father. Yet, He ridicules?
He laughs at those who set themselves up as if they are the almighty ones. Beyond His reach. Outside His sovereignty.
God takes no delight in their rebellion, but recognizes their foolishness; the way they have joyfully jumped into the deception offered them by the evil one.
God’s laughter, ridicule, is intended to jar them into another look – self- evaluation. Or if not them, any who would see them as role models.
God reigns! And in His resurrection, has established Christ Jesus as Lord of Lords, King of Kings!
Numbering My Days 