Morning Moments

Continued from yesterday.

Psalm 22

11 Do not be far from me, because distress is near and there is no one to help. Contin

The recognition of God’s presence brings one a step closer to revering His person, and revering His person is just another step toward the release of His power. The hymnist wrote, “All that I needed His hand hath provided…” He will help IF we but worship. He is more willing than we are wanting.

12 Many bulls surround me; strong ones of Bashan encircle me.

I was never in the “Future Farmers of America”, but I had friends who had some big, strong bulls that they would show at certain events. Those big things are scary creatures. Imagine the matador as he faces the bull in a limited space ring. Then imagine the other bulls being released, all angry, and the matador without assistants.

13 They open their mouths against me— lions, mauling and roaring.

Besides the bulls, imagine the lions roaring and mauling. Can you in any way sense the terror of the psalmist’s heart? Might he have faced a “panic attack”? Let’s be clear about it, sights and sounds around us can make us scream or sing, shudder or seek safety. The lion’s den and bull ring are no match for of God. Let hope awaken in your soul.

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me.

Of course we understand that this text is prophetical, but I also believe it is personal and perennial. This is life! “Man that is born of woman is but a few days and full of trouble.” Jesus said, “For this cause came I into the world.” You are no exception for fear, frustration, failure – and hopefully FAITH.

15 My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.

Water is gone from me and dust has filled me. Let’s be honest about this. There are times that we feel like someone has buried us in the dirt and there is not a drop to drink. “Oh,” someone might say, “I’ve have never felt so low.” Okay, there are two reasons: 1) You have never followed Jesus through the cross and to the resurrection; 2) You have not lived long enough. Fasten your seat belt, it is coming for you.