Readings for today: Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 107
I love the Psalms. They give expression to so much of what I feel on a day to day basis. They give me the words to pray as I navigate the ups and downs of life. Last week was one of the best weeks of my life. I’ve been a pastor for over twenty years but Holy Week hit different for me this year. Perhaps it was the intentionality and brilliance of our team as they planned and executed some of the most incredible worship services. Perhaps it was the overwhelming success of an Indian outreach event that’s been in the works for some time now. Perhaps it was seeing all the people I know and love at PEPC coming to worship on a beautiful Easter morning. Perhaps it was all of the above. And it’s why I found myself reciting the opening line of Psalms 89 on Sunday afternoon when everything was over. “I will sing about the Lord’s faithful love forever; I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations with my mouth.” (Psalms 89:1 CSB)
Of course, another possibility is the state of my soul this year. It’s been a very good year but a very challenging one with lots of changes. My wife and I put our youngest daughters on a plane to Australia in late January/February and officially entered the “empty nest” phase of life. While we’ve enjoyed the transition and are proud of all four of our children, it has resulted in a significantly different rhythm for us. My dad passed away last year and my mom is needing more and more of my attention which I am more than happy to give. She is one of the most amazing people I know but getting older is not easy. The demands on my time are growing. I have been leading a national team for our denomination to revise standards for ordination and our recommendations were due April 15. I am heading to Ethiopia in May and my teaching outlines were due April 18. I am teaching a class at Denver Seminary and papers needed to be graded the first week of April. I am the chair of the board for a mission agency and we are writing two key policies that were due April 29. Not to mention preaching Palm Sunday and Easter for PEPC and our Indian Outreach Ministry. So lots going on! Ha! I love every bit of it. I feel called to every part of it. But I have been stretched during this season more than normal. Perhaps running on fumes also opens me up to the message of the Psalms in new and fresh ways and I found myself turning to Psalms 107 and finding comfort in these words, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all humanity. For he has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things.” (Psalms 107:8-9 CSB)
What about you? Do you find yourself full or empty or somewhere in between? Do you find yourself stretched, stressed, or relaxed? Are you joining the Psalmist in praise or looking to him for hope? What do you need from the Lord during this season? Let the words of the Psalms meet you in your point of need and direct your attention back to the Lord.
Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays