Childlike Always Carries the Day

S - Psalm 31:19-21, (NRSV): "O how abundant is your goodness that you have laid up for those who fear you, and accomplished for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of everyone! In the shelter of your presence you hide them from human plots; you hold them safe under your shelter from contentious tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege. … Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord."

O - King David makes some observations in this psalm which are quite striking beyond the obvious messianic realities (not that those are minimal by any means). Here the Word plainly states that God's abundant goodness is stored and then, in the sight of all people, bestowed on those who: fear the Lord and take refuge in him. That's it? Shouldn't God be, isn't God, a little more discriminating about who "qualifies" for such a display? How about on those who are awesomely successful in His name? OR on those who are rigorously ascetic or spiritually masterful or cunning in stewardship or powerful in prayer? In fact, not only so, but on those who fear him and take refuge in him, he hides them in his presence from the intrigues of men. The confirmation of this understanding comes when David identifies the circumstances when the Lord showed/revealed his steadfast love … when he was trapped like a rat; besieged on every side. The Lord really does want us at our worst and not just at our best. The conclusion continues in this awesome vein - be strong, take courage as you wait for the Lord.

A - Jesus promised childlike carries the day every day (cf. Matthew 18:1-3). This psalm in practice, content and intent confirms the same. I need to keep my focus narrowed to these two life giving, life affirming, life sustaining and life enhancing realities - live in the wholesome dread of displeasing the One I love (i.e. in the fear of the Lord) and take refuge in Him. These are always at my disposal, always possible when just about everything else is not. Wow … Jesus still cuts through the crap:).

P - Dear Messiah and Only True Friend,
I ask that you would assist me in keeping my focus honed in childlike simplicity on the fear of the Lord and making sure that I take refuge in you and not in any other reality or fantasy, lawful or unlawful. I believe you and your promises and I thank you for protecting me from the intrigues of men. I believe you and welcome the abundant goodness and the revelation of your steadfast love. Thank you for wanting me at my worst. Thank you that when I fear you I NEVER have to be afraid. Yes Lord, it is as you say … and even the crumbs which fall from your table are awesome. I love you back!
Steve