Day 9

Readings Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129 Proverbs 9

I will do a drive to Austin and back today (7 hrs), good time to pray and think about these verses.

⁹ The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.

¹⁰ Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Lord, you have shown yourself faithful over and over. Thank you for remembering me.

Psalm 9 ¹⁸ But the needy will not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

There is much in this psalm about the forgotten, afflicted and the justice they will get. I love the fact that our God is a God of Justice. He will make everything right. . . just wait on Him.

^{Psalm 69:3} My heart grew hot within me,
and as I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

⁴ "Show me, O LORD, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.

⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Selah

⁶ Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

⁷ "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

⁸ Save me from all my transgressions;

Do we need to hear this . . .yes. We are fragile beings, insecure, discouraged and sometimes hopeless. May your promises fill me with truth and may the trust I have for you grow.

^{Psalm 69: 30} I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving.

³¹ This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

³² The poor will see and be glad—
you who seek God, may your hearts live!

³³ The LORD hears the needy
and does not despise his captive people.

Praise is a blessing to Him but very much to us. It changes our perspective and our hearts turn to Him.
The poor again are vindicated and justice will roll.

Lord, help me today to drive with you, come and listen to my prayers. Turn my mourning into dancing, my pain into peace and my insecurity to confidence in you. I need you desperately, hear my prayers.

Tomorrow: Augustine, Excerpts from “Confessions”