Psalm 5: 3-12 (NIV) In tumultuous times aim for “Living Simply: Making Room for God”
For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, Lord, detest.
But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
Psalm 51:10-13 (NIV)
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
so that sinners will turn back to you.
Devotion
In our lives it is very easy to become preoccupied and distracted by our work, our families, our activities, or our other commitments so that we don’t have time to consider the lilies, or the wonders God shares with us in nature, meaningful relationships, and reading His word. It is important to save parts of each day to enable each of us to connect with God, His word, and nature to remain centered and not lose our way or merely drift.
There are two Psalms for this day; Psalm 5 is focused on pointing out what God likes and dislikes in the behavior of individuals and to state what happens to those who continue to do that which is detested, wicked or that which brings their destruction. In these current tumultuous times, these words provide some reassurance that God will make a straight path for those who believe, show reverence, and bow before God. Those that aim to do harm in various ways will have a difficult time in God’s presence. The Lord will shield or protect the righteous with His favor and blessing.
The excerpt from Psalm 51 is part of David’s prayer for cleansing and pardon after he has gone to Bathsheba. It is a fervent and heartfelt request to clean his heart and to give him a right or steadfast spirit and a generous spirit. As we live our days and interact with people, we often miss cues or avoid a difficult conversation in favor of something more pleasant or easy to do. This prayer is a way to focus us back on aiming to do that which is right whether difficult or unpleasant.
As we simplify our lives and make space for God, it can be as easy as stopping to truly see a sunset or sunrise and wonder at God’s glory. Other moments can be found while walking (your dog) with sharpening your senses to feel the breeze on your skin or in your hair, hear the birds, smell the newly cut grass and appreciating all that God has put before us. Making time to pray or be quiet and pay attention to listen for that still small voice within us. With individuals it can be as simple as holding a hand, giving a hug, or putting an arm around someone who needs touch or attention or comforting. Be alive in and with God around us as we grow and share our gifts with others.
Prayer
Dear Lord, please be with us as we save time each day to be aware of your creation around us and as we do our best to simplify our busy days to make room for you to be with us. Help us to be aware of the needs of others and to use our gifts that you have given us to reach out and provide comfort to others. Thank you for showing us your way and protecting us every day. Amen
Eve Jelstrom
Music to find peace:
“Create in Me a Clean Heart, oh God” by Carl Mueller
My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation,
I hear the real though far-off tune that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness ’round me close, songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thing I see the blue above it,
And day by day this pathway smooths since first I learned to love it.
The peace of love makes fresh my heart a fountain ever springing
All things are mine in love and joy! How can I keep from singing?
-Anonymous adaptation after Robert Lowry