You are fulfilling your covenant within me, O Faithful One, according to your Promise.
Teach me good judgement and understanding, for I know your teachings are sure.
Before, I was sorely afraid and I went astray; but now, I hold to your Word.
You are Love, and all Love comes from You; help me to share the treasures of the heart.
May I come to live with patience, waiting for your perfect timing in all circumstances.
May tolerance make its home in me, that I recognize You in every heart.
May I be imbued with love and mercy making room for kindness in all situations.
For your ways are far richer than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Nan C. Merrill Psalms for Praying
Reflection:
I want to be careful with verse 71, “It was good for me that I was afflicted” (some translations read “humbled”) because I don’t want to insinuate in any way that suffering is good. What I will say is that suffering, disappointment, being wrong about something significant and then humbled, etc., has a way of creating space for self-reflection, re-prioritizing, and other conversations only God hears. Maybe if all else fails, we rely on God differently than we do when things are going our way. Maybe praise isn’t found only in happiness, but in a deep sense of being seen, known, and loved by God when we are feeling less than perfect. It is Love that will see us through each moment of our lives. And maybe, these less-than-ideal-situations are the experiences that imbue us with love and mercy and kindness in all situations and in all relationships.
Period Pastor Pad 