May is not Maybe

S - Psalm 68:1-2, 5, 19, (NIV): "May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;may his foes flee before him.  As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.  … A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. … Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah"

O - This psalm of David begins with the subjunctive "may".  Why use this grammatical expression of that which will ultimately be unavoidable?  Perhaps it is because while the conclusion is not in question the timing of it is.  Each day comes with the possibility of battle or blessing and we really never know what each day will bring.  What we do know is that God is over it all and is working it all for the good of those who love him back and stay called according to his purpose.  It may not be today that it all tumbles into place and hence the "may".  But there will be a day when it does happen exactly as these verses describe.  This psalm is also very precise in the realities which are declared as continuously in effect regardless of circumstances.  God Almighty, right now, this day and every day:

1.       Is a father to the fatherless (isolated, bereft or rejected).

2.       Defends widows (the helpless and marginalized).

3.       Daily bears our burdens (though they do not affect him directly).

The only appropriate follow-up is Selah - pause, weigh, consider and value this!

A - God will arise and banish the enemy, turn the circumstance, change the situation, alter the events and those within them … when he is ready.  For Jesus, it will be some very tough hours and a three day wait.  In the meantime and all the time … he is near me/us in loving relationship, acting with compassion, protecting and assisting us/me with the burdens each day brings. His character, his word and my history with him all confirm … he is purposeful in everything he causes and in everything he allows.  I don't know when or how but I do know and believe that he will arise.   

P - Almighty and All Merciful God,

Thank you for today and for everything it holds … even that which I don't like, understand and/or seems so bad. I admit that you hold everything and that you love me/us.  I am relying on you and your love.  I am listening for your voice and for your direction.  I am welcoming you and your will the way you want to accomplish it.  I am yielding to your awesome brilliance, limitless power and extreme goodness.  Lord, today while it is called today I love you back and embrace you to be my father, defender and burden bearer.  Thank you for being willing to humbly serve me as I seek to serve and follow you.

Steve