Psalm 119 - Dalet (vs. 25-32)

"My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to your word."

So, this is the fourth day of my Lenten practice and my third post here on this blog. This opening line from the fourth section of psalm 119 puts me face to face with something that I struggle with daily. It puts me face to face with my continual want to strive for all the "earthly" things in my life. Now, I believe that this doesn't mean that such earthly pursuits are wrong in any way. Rather, the beauty and pleasure of nature, the caring relationships with friends and family, and even the beauty and meaning of art, music, poetry and prose are definitely good things and good things to pursue. Yet, I need the reminder that they are all the good creation of the Father who is the source of life in my life.

Psalm 119 - Beth (vs. 9-16) & Gimel (vs. 17-24)

Well, I did exactly what I was hoping I wouldn't do. I forgot to read my psalm for yesterday and make my reflection. It just gos to show you that something as simple as sitting down and listening to God's Word for just a short period of time is something that can get left undone pretty easily. You get caught up with what's going on in your life, or you get caught up with the things you are doing, and this small thing slips into the background.

So, today I will reflect on the second two parts of Psalm 119. It is fitting that I'm going through this part of the psalms right now. It's all about how the psalmist wants to observe God's commandments and constantly meditate on them. It's hard. It's hard to stay that focused on what God commands and actually carry that out in your life. The only thing I can ask at times is for God "deal bountifully with your servant."

Psalm 119 - Aleph (vs. 1-8)

Well, here the beginning of me trying to do my best to have a regular Lenten discipline. I usually haven't had much success in the past with a daily intentional reading of scripture. It usually gets pushed off to the side or even simply forgotten about as either a busy day is ahead of me or slow relaxing day that's meant to be a break from the grind.

It's funny that this journey into Lent starts with a Psalm that declares "O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!" I want this to be my prayer. I want this to be how I live my life. But, I know that I fail all too often to this. There is a happiness in keeping the law of the Lord in your heart, but like the psalmist cries, "do not utterly forsake me" when I inevitably mess up.

WELCOME!

This is where you can see if Pastor is staying up on his Lenten spiritual practice or just simply
slacking. Heck you can even read the reflections and see if they have any meaning for you!