The Frailest Flower
Psalms 7-9
The violent, unexpected and tragic death of a president and some of his top officials stunned the world.
A beleaguered church leader faces now the resurrection of past evils thought long dead and buried.
The earth moves and thousands lose everything.
As I read the last verses of my Scripture reading for this morning, I was reminded again of just how fragile life is—and why.
"Arise, O Lord, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O Lord; let the nations know they are but men" —Psalm 9:19, 20.
Some, if they view God at all, consider him to be a wimp, incapable of doing anything, or so disconnected he doesn't care to act. The psalmist is quick to address that mistaken notion as he writes: "The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the people with justice" —Psalm 9:7, 8.
He is no wimp. He is not silent unless it suits his purposes. He speaks and, like it or not, the world will listen.
But just as he reminds me, and all of us, not to "get too big for our britches," he also comes back with this wonderful promise: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" —Psalm 9:9, 10.
The discipline of the the "big" voice is always followed by the comfort of the whisper as God gently reminds us that the frailest flower is best protected by staying close to the trunk of the biggest tree.
The violent, unexpected and tragic death of a president and some of his top officials stunned the world.
A beleaguered church leader faces now the resurrection of past evils thought long dead and buried.
The earth moves and thousands lose everything.
As I read the last verses of my Scripture reading for this morning, I was reminded again of just how fragile life is—and why.
"Arise, O Lord, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O Lord; let the nations know they are but men" —Psalm 9:19, 20.
Some, if they view God at all, consider him to be a wimp, incapable of doing anything, or so disconnected he doesn't care to act. The psalmist is quick to address that mistaken notion as he writes: "The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the people with justice" —Psalm 9:7, 8.
He is no wimp. He is not silent unless it suits his purposes. He speaks and, like it or not, the world will listen.
But just as he reminds me, and all of us, not to "get too big for our britches," he also comes back with this wonderful promise: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" —Psalm 9:9, 10.
The discipline of the the "big" voice is always followed by the comfort of the whisper as God gently reminds us that the frailest flower is best protected by staying close to the trunk of the biggest tree.
I stand in awe of the profound wisdom I find in your writing. I once again receive words to ponder and meditate on. Thank you for sharing this superb article. Hugs, Rita
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