Psalm 108: Steadfastness
Monday, November 11, 2019
When we read this psalm we might recall the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 which our Jewish sisters and brothers call The Shema – the listening, or the accepting. It is intoned as part of the morning and evening prayer and is considered by many to be their most important prayer: Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin in you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.
Psalm 108 bears the description Prayer for Victory, but in my heart it is a call to be one with God in every way possible not because we want something from God, but because we love God and all that he is this much . . . that we dedicate all that we are and all that we hope to be to his work.
My heart is steadfast, God; my heart is steadfast.
No matter what we have done, Lord, you are always present when we ask forgiveness. May we reflect your steadfastness.
My eyes are truly fixed, O Lord; my eyes are truly fixed.
We are frequently lost but we are found when we look for the searchlight of your eyes calling us to you. May our lives serve as a beacon to others as we struggle to follow you.
My ears are open, God; my ears are open.
The noise of the world often captures our attention more than the whisper or boom of your voice. May we answer willingly when we hear your call.
My strength is willing, O Lord; my strength is willing.
There are days when we want to quit, when life feels overwhelming; yet you always buoy us up even as we feel about to drown. May our lives serve as a lifeline that connects lost souls to you.
My spirit is rising, God; my spirit is rising.
Even when there seems to be no light, even when the darkness seems to have taken over, we feel and know your saving presence. May we be this presence to those who feel alone or abandoned.
My heart is loving, O Lord; my heart is loving.
We have been wounded many times by being open to your possibilities and yet when we consider the miracles you have wrought in our lives we take up hope again. May we sing always of your wondrous love for us. And may we be as steadfast to you as you are to us.
My heart is steadfast, God; my heart is steadfast.
Amen.
First written on October 23, 2012. Re-written and posted today as a Favorite.
For more on persevering and never giving up, click on the image above or go to: http://coachotis.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/
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