Gifts From the Psalms 2
"O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O Lord, from childhood." Psalm 71:5
Over my holiday I have been meeting up with family and friends, and looking at some old photos. I have been reminiscing about those, who from childhood, have helped me keep my hope and trust in the Lord.
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Of course there were my parents. Although I can't remember my mother,
my earliest memories are of sitting at my father's feet with my sisters. We would listen to stories from the Bible and other stories he told.
Later, I remember my stepmother on her knees,
praying every morning for each member of our family
There were also my Sunday School teachers, pastors and mentors; always there with words of encouragement from the scriptures.
Unlike David, the author of this psalm, as a youth I did not fight any lions or bears, but I did have my own `giants' to fight - my own bullies, depression and anxiety. Like David, who later battled many other `giants', as I grew older my battle continued. But I learnt to trust in God and rely on His `strength and protection'. It has taken many years, but I believe I have received healing and am beginning to win the battle.
"My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection." Psalm 71:7
During my struggle with depression and anxiety, there were times I asked myself `why me?' I was always given this same answer from 2 Corinthians 1:4.
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can be a comfort to others. When they are troubled we will be able to give the same comfort God has given us."
I honestly don't think I have always done this well. I am not a really good counsellor, but thanks to my early struggles I do have an understanding of mental illness, particularly in children. At times this has helped me with my teaching and children's ministry. I have also had many opportunities to speak about the Lord to doctors and psychologists, which I may not have had if I was `healthy'.
"Now I am old and grey, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." Psalm 71:18
In Isacc Watts' meditation on the Psalms, he calls this one the `aged Christian's prayer and song' . It is very clear that in his old age, David had a lot to be thankful for. In his old age he wanted to continue to `proclaim the power of the Lord to a new generation'. I may not be old and grey, but for the last few years I have felt rather old. As I think back to my parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors and mentors; many of whom have now gone on to be with the Lord, I remember that in their later years, they still continued to talk about the Lord. They were always sharing their home and the scriptures with young people, and of course they never gave up praying. This has given me the inspiration, and helped we develop the perseverence and endurance I have needed to keep going.
I am not ready to give up my `ministry' yet. I hope and pray I have many good years left in me. Most of all, I want to use those years to give glory to God, and to `proclaim his power and mighty miracles' to a new generation.
1. "The Life of David as Reflected in His Psalms" - Alexander McLaren, 9th Edition, Butler & Tanner.
2. "Facing Your Giants" - Max Lucado (2006), Thomas Nelson Publishers.
3. "The Psalms of David" - Isacc Watts, (1818) C.Corall Publishers.
Over my holiday I have been meeting up with family and friends, and looking at some old photos. I have been reminiscing about those, who from childhood, have helped me keep my hope and trust in the Lord.
.JPG)
Of course there were my parents. Although I can't remember my mother,my earliest memories are of sitting at my father's feet with my sisters. We would listen to stories from the Bible and other stories he told.
Later, I remember my stepmother on her knees,
praying every morning for each member of our family
There were also my Sunday School teachers, pastors and mentors; always there with words of encouragement from the scriptures.
Unlike David, the author of this psalm, as a youth I did not fight any lions or bears, but I did have my own `giants' to fight - my own bullies, depression and anxiety. Like David, who later battled many other `giants', as I grew older my battle continued. But I learnt to trust in God and rely on His `strength and protection'. It has taken many years, but I believe I have received healing and am beginning to win the battle.
"My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection." Psalm 71:7
During my struggle with depression and anxiety, there were times I asked myself `why me?' I was always given this same answer from 2 Corinthians 1:4.
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can be a comfort to others. When they are troubled we will be able to give the same comfort God has given us."
I honestly don't think I have always done this well. I am not a really good counsellor, but thanks to my early struggles I do have an understanding of mental illness, particularly in children. At times this has helped me with my teaching and children's ministry. I have also had many opportunities to speak about the Lord to doctors and psychologists, which I may not have had if I was `healthy'.
"Now I am old and grey, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." Psalm 71:18
In Isacc Watts' meditation on the Psalms, he calls this one the `aged Christian's prayer and song' . It is very clear that in his old age, David had a lot to be thankful for. In his old age he wanted to continue to `proclaim the power of the Lord to a new generation'. I may not be old and grey, but for the last few years I have felt rather old. As I think back to my parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors and mentors; many of whom have now gone on to be with the Lord, I remember that in their later years, they still continued to talk about the Lord. They were always sharing their home and the scriptures with young people, and of course they never gave up praying. This has given me the inspiration, and helped we develop the perseverence and endurance I have needed to keep going.
I am not ready to give up my `ministry' yet. I hope and pray I have many good years left in me. Most of all, I want to use those years to give glory to God, and to `proclaim his power and mighty miracles' to a new generation.
1. "The Life of David as Reflected in His Psalms" - Alexander McLaren, 9th Edition, Butler & Tanner.
2. "Facing Your Giants" - Max Lucado (2006), Thomas Nelson Publishers.
3. "The Psalms of David" - Isacc Watts, (1818) C.Corall Publishers.
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