The Noontimes

Psalm 55:18: My Voice
Psalm 55:18: My Voice

Friday, June 26, 2026

Psalm 55:18 – In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday, I will complain and lament, and God will hear my voice.

When I read this, I understand that I am not the only one who calls on God incessantly. This gives me comfort and hope. Comfort because I am not alone. Hope because God has acted in the lives of so many people, why would he not act in mine? I will set my petitions before God to show God that I understand my proper relationship with the Lord: God is the creator, I am the creation.

God says: Do not worry that I might become tired of hearing your pleas. I answer your requests as they best fit your own plan and the plan of salvation. I do not mind that you become angry with me; my love for you can handle that. I do not mind that you feel I do not love you; my love for you is bigger than that. I do not mind if you turn from me; my love perseveres and endures forever. I do not mind. I love you.

Let your voice rise to God like incense in the night. Ask, and you will receive.

A re-post from: June 24, 2012.

Image from: http://fancourt.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/when-words-are-not-enough/

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June 26, 2026

Psalm 55:18
Psalm 119: God Carries My Burden
Psalm 119: God Carries My Burden

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Psalm 119:25, 37, 40, 50, 93, 145, 154 – I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. I call with my whole heart; answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes. Defend my life and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promises.

This psalm is the longest in this longest of Books in the Bible. It is an ‘alphabetical’ psalm in that the first 8 verses of each strophe begin with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet and each verse (except for verse 122) contains one of the terms of the Law or Teachings or Statutes in which Jesus was raised. This psalm, along with many others, and the Books of the Torah, Wisdom and Prophets, were Jesus’ school house. The revelation handed down through the millennia to guide humankind still serves us today. When we see the word life in this psalm, we understand it to refer to the concept of life in its fullest sense: happiness, security, and liberation from all that oppresses us.

God says: I know that sometimes you are so burdened you cannot think. You have so much to do that there is no time. You are so tired that you cannot sleep. Yet, I abide with you still, even though you do not see me, even though you may not feel my presence. Still, I am with you, as I am always with you, even until the end of time. If all you can do is pray this verse today, that is enough: “I call with my whole heart; answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statutes.” I am answering you each time you call. Listen, for I am near.

All of God’s promises are renewed. All of God’s promises are kept. May you know the love and peace of Christ.

Explore the reflection on the God Time page of this blog: https://thenoontimes.com/god-time/

A re-post from June 21, 2012.

Image of detail from a mural by Diego Rivera from: http://domania.us/SwordSisters/Inspirations5/Burden.html
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June 25, 2026

burden, God’s promises, Psalm 119
Psalm 36:5: Faithfulness
Psalm 36:5: Faithfulness

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Psalm 36:5 – Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds.

When we look at intense moonlight, at an amazing formation of clouds, at a flock of birds on wing, at people healing and helping one another, we know that God has created all, and we know that God remains present to his creation at all times and in all ways. Even though we may feel lost, alone, hurt, frightened or confused, we can be certain that we are an important part of this creation.

God says: I do not forget about you ever; you are always on my mind. You will never have to be without me; I remember you and hold you as special always. This love will never fail. This love will never weaken. This love will never go away. It strengthens each day as we talk. It becomes immutable as we seal our agreement with one another in our many conversations. My love for you is so immense that you cannot understand it; yet still it is there with you. Always.

Wishing you the warmth and assurance of God’s ever-abiding love and peace.

Take a few minutes today to click a word on the tag cloud to the right and follow the link . . .

A re-post from June 20, 2012.

Image from: https://mrayton.wordpress.com/tag/creation/
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June 24, 2026

creation, Psalm 36:5
Psalm 28:8-9: The Lord is My Shield
Psalm 28:8-9: The Lord is My Shield

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Psalm 28:8-9 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in God, and I have been helped; therefore my heart dances for joy; and in my song will I praise God.

When we are in the midst of harrowing circumstances and our thoughts fly about so quickly they barely register, we must step behind the only shield that both protects and nourishes. As St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6, we always have the opportunity to put on Christ. He is the only armor we need.

God says: When you feel that you must go into battle, let me be your armor. There is really no combat for you to plan. You do not need to plot or scheme. I have already rescued you. You are already ransomed from the mob and even protected. I will not let you cease to exist. Be glad in this, and even though you may not yet feel like dancing, begin to form a song in your heart that will later rise to your lips. I love you, and I will not let you down. You are, in fact, already saved.

For more on how to wear the armor of Christ see the Ephesians – Christ page on this blog at: https://thenoontimes.com/the-book-of-our-life/ephesians-christ/

A re-post from June 19, 2012.

Image from: http://sharon-justsaying.blogspot.com/2010/08/hope-help-shield.html
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June 23, 2026

Ephesians 6, God is armor, Psalm 28:8-9
Psalm 32:9-10: Stubbornness
Psalm 32:9-10: Stubbornness

Monday, June 22, 2026

Psalm 32:9-10 – Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that need bit and bridle to curb their spirit. Many torments await the wicked, but grace unfolds the one who trusts in Yahweh.

Sometimes we mistake our stubbornness for courage and strength. God says: I do not expect you to change who you are – after all, I created you as you are. All I await is your fidelity and your willingness to follow me. I do not expect perfect actions; I await your whole self – body, mind and soul. You have my spirit within you; I ask that you return this to me – so that we might be one.

If you worry the bit of life in your mouth, visit the Journeys of Transformation page on this blog and choose a journey . . .

A re-post from June 18, 2012.

Image from: https://thehorse.com/118792/bitting-problems-and-your-horse/
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June 22, 2026

Psalm 32:9-10, trust God
Psalm 73:28: God is My Refuge
Psalm 73:28: God is My Refuge

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Psalm 73:28 – But it is good for me to be near God; I have made God my refuge.

We finally arrive at the depth of ourselves when we have no more resources. It is then that we find a strength we have never before truly felt. This is new to us because it is God filling us in where we have emptied ourselves out. When we reach that spot where there is nothing of ourselves left, when we finally let go every shred of who we thought we were, when we invite God in because there is nowhere else to go. Then we know the goodness of God in a way we have never before experienced. Then we know what it means to say . . . Oh God, you are my refuge, you are my rock, my fortress, my place of safety.

God says: I love you in a way you cannot imagine. Everything about my love is good and right. There are no dark corners, no buried secrets, no sudden betrayals that will leap out of hidden recesses. I will not let you down. I will not abandon you. No matter what happens I am here with you, holding you, even carrying you. It is good for you to make me your refuge. You have chosen well. Now rest . . . and I will watch over you as you gather strength.

May you find some resting place today so that you may rise anew. Take refuge. And gather strength from God.

Spend time with God with the God Time Reflection on this blog at: https://thenoontimes.com/god-time/

Image from: http://www.offexploring.com/bowdeebouncesroundtheworld/albums/mikeys-hawaii-pictures/8691984

A re-post from June 17, 2019.
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June 21, 2026

Psalm 73:28
Psalm 62:5-6: Rest in God Alone
Psalm 62:5-6: Rest in God Alone

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Psalm 62:5-6 – Rest in God alone, my soul! God is the source of my hope; with God alone for my rock, my safety, my fortress, I can never fall; rest in God, my safety, my glory, the rock of my strength.

When will all the conflict end? When will I have some peace? When will I understand what is happening all around me?

God says: Rather than wait for conflict to go away, learn to lean on me. When you feel angry, when you want to control people and situations, when you feel afraid, come to me, stand on me, rest in me. I am hope. When you trust me you become hope, too . . . not only for yourself but others as well.

Like a child who rests in her parent’s hands, may you find a little rest, a little peace, a little hope.

To reflect on the expectation of miracles go to the Miracles page on this blog: https://thenoontimes.com/god-time/miracles/

A re-post from June 16, 2019.

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/baby-feet-in-mother%27s-hands/904420021156/
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June 20, 2026

hope, peace, Psalm 62:5-6
Psalm 40:12: God Is Listening
Psalm 40:12: God is Listening

Friday, June 19, 2026

Lord, do not withhold your compassion from me; may your enduring kindness ever preserve me.

There are lots of times – and they seem to last for too long – when it feels as though God does not listen. I know that God is everywhere, including within me, but there are days and weeks and months and even years when I feel as though I walk entirely alone. Why does he not hear my crying?

God says: Believe it or not, I do hear you, and I understand how you feel. I came to earth to live as one of you so that you might believe me when I speak to you. I love you so much that I have been willing to suffer as you do. I too, have felt alone, misunderstood and maligned. But do not worry. Even though your grief has brought you to a place where you feel no warmth and no compassion, I am with you. I have always been with you. I will always be with you. I will never abandon you. I will save you from the fear that grips you. Let go of that fear so that I can take it away from you to put it in a place from which it will not escape. I have that power. I have that love for you. I will preserve you. Come to me and lay your worries at my feet. Then rest awhile with me. I am here. I have always been here. I will always be here.

Wishing you a bit of peace so that you might feel God’s love and compassion.

A re-post from June 14, 2012.

Image from: http://rowenleaf.blogspot.com/2011/11/conversations-with-muses.html

Visit The Narrow Gate page on this blog and examine what it means to travel through the eye of the needle.

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June 19, 2026

psalm 40:12
Psalm 130:5: Wait for God
Psalm 130:5: Wait for God

Thursday, June 18, 2026

I wait for Yahweh, my soul waits for him, I rely on his promise, my soul relies on the Lord more than a watchman on the coming of dawn.

I imagine that a watchman feels great relief with the advent of the first rays of light. The strain of peering through darkness, watching for an enemy that may or may not be present must be endured else the entire city or camp is put in danger. All of this readiness and waiting are sometimes too difficult to bear.

God says: I know that you seek me and this is good. The more you seek, the more you realize my love for you. I, too, yearn to have you secure with me. Remember that I always keep my promises, and I have plans for your welfare, not your woe. You cannot imagine the wonderful serenity and bliss I have in mind for you. I love you still. I love you always. Wait for me. Watch for me. I am with you even now.

May you fully know the intense love God has for you. Trust in God alone. God is the source of all that is good.

A re-post from June 13, 2012.

Image from: http://songsofmarkcote.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-dawn.html

As you wait for God, look through some of the reflections in The Book of Our Life page on this blog at: https://thenoontimes.com/the-book-of-our-life/

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June 18, 2026

dawn, Psalm 130:5, watchman