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All in God's Word
Listen to my cry for help, O God. Pay attention to my prayer. From the ends of the earth, I call to you when I begin to lose heart.
Lead me to the rock that is high above me. You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy.
I would like to be a guest in your tent forever and to take refuge under the protection of your wings. Selah [vss 1-4]
Thanksgiving holiday is an American tradition. It's been set aside as a national holiday by a few presidents as a time of reflection and gratitude.
Of course, as with other things, the significance of Thanksgiving is lost for many.
Many times it's referred to as "Turkey Day," and for some, it's an excuse to eat and drink excessively while sitting in front of a TV.
It's also become a great marketing season that changes the focus of giving thanks to getting things.
Open your ears to my prayer, O God. Do not hide from my plea for mercy. Pay attention to me, and answer me.
My thoughts are restless, and I am confused because my enemy shouts at me and a wicked person persecutes me.
They bring misery crashing down on me, and they attack me out of anger.
My heart is in turmoil. The terrors of death have seized me. Fear and trembling have overcome me. Horror has overwhelmed me.
As people, we have a limited view of everything. It is impossible to see things from God's perspective except by faith, an implicit trust in Him.
Our life on earth is limited because it exists within a physical realm. We are finite (limited), God is infinite (unlimited). This applies not only to physical and natural limitations, but carries over into our thinking and perceptions of the truth.
Honesty in prayer is essential. God values it. He honors it. But we have a hard time doing it.
By default, we put up a deceptive front. We justify ourselves before we get honest, genuinely honest. It's just the way we are.
This prayerful psalm of King David came after he was confronted by Nathan the prophet. The story is found in 2 Samuel 12:1-15.
"What does God want from me?" People often ask this question as if there's no clear answer.
But there is.
This question is asked many times out of frustration (or irritation) when things don't go well, or don't go as expected or wanted.
How much is a life worth? Life is priceless! A person's value is too high to calculate.
Yet, in wrongful-death court cases, various amounts of money are awarded to the family of the victim. The amount varies depending on the circumstances, judge, jury, or even public opinion.
But do any of these monetary awards equal the value of the life lost? No.
Trouble comes in many forms. It's felt both internally and externally. Some troubles are easier to resolve than others. Pop psychology tells us not to worry about what we can't control, but we do.
We worry about the economy, the environment and global warming, and we fret over national and international violence. But really, what can we do about such things?
This psalm gives those who trust in God three assurances in the face of such worries beyond our control.
