My Psalm, Too!

Sometimes we may be feeling so many different emotions all at the same time.  Some are joyful and happy with glimpses of fear and sadness.  Sometimes the holiday season brings a whirlwind of emotions for many people.  Perhaps they are feelings of thanksgiving for the precious time shared with loved ones and feelings of sorrow for those who are no longer with us.  Perhaps it’s the bittersweet feelings parents of adult children have when its time for their children to return to their own lives.  Life itself can create an emotional rollercoaster for us to ride.    As individuals given souls and a spirit of love, we may struggle with these varied emotions. 

Recently, I read Psalm 86.  It is a prayer from David.  At that particular moment in time, this psalm gave words to all of my feelings.   I ask that you read it slow, as it is a conversational prayer with our Father; the one being that is supreme and has the power and the authority to work in our lives.   In some ways, it’s a challenge – to live in accordance to His will, to have a heart of a servant and to glorify God in all I do.  I found such comfort in David’s words even though they are thousands of years old – maybe you will too. 

Psalm 86 (NIV)

Hear me, LORD, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;

save your servant who trusts in you.

You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,

for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,

for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,

abounding in love to all who call to you.

6 Hear my prayer, LORD;

listen to my cry for mercy.

7 When I am in distress, I call to you,

because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;

no deeds can compare with yours.

9 All the nations you have made

will come and worship before you, Lord;

they will bring glory to your name.

10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;

you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, LORD,

that I may rely on your faithfulness;

give me an undivided heart,

that I may fear your name.

12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;

I will glorify your name forever.

13 For great is your love toward me;

you have delivered me from the depths,

from the realm of the dead. 14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God;

ruthless people are trying to kill me—

they have no regard for you.

15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16 Turn to me and have mercy on me;

show your strength in behalf of your servant;

save me, because I serve you

just as my mother did.

17 Give me a sign of your goodness,

that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,

for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me. 

Michelle Tittor

Grapevine, TX