Today’s reading:
Psalms 17 – 20

I have the pleasure this week of spending it with nine of our youth from First Lutheran on a week of service, mission and fun at Lutheran Memorial Camp. For our evening time together, we shared the Psalms with one another. It was a rewarding read, and I asked for their comments as we reflected together. Here is some of their insight:

Psalm 17

Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
v. 8

There is a sense of God’s protection in these words, as God continues to give second chances. We need to remember that some people aren’t always on our side, so we have to deal with it, but don’t be rude to those who are rude because it’s not worth it. In the end God will protect us, because we have obeyed him.

Psalm 18

The response from our youth was, “that was long.” At 50 verses it is the longest Psalm we have encountered so far. In it our youth hear:

• Words of praise
• A sense of redirection. (V. 20 He as recompensed me).
• With God, we can do all things.

Then there is the tie in to a familiar song often sung at camp. Although we haven’t sung it yet. It is highlighted in the opening and closing verses:

I will call upon the Lord. (I will call upon the Lord)
Who is worthy to be praise (Who is worthy to be praised)
So shall I be saved from my enemies. (So shall I be saved from ny enemies)
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock
And may the God of our Salvation be exulted.
The Lord liveth, and blessed be the rock,
And may the God of our salvation be exulted!

Last thoughts, came in the description of God found in verses 7 through 15. Scary stuff. Some honestly wondered if this was Satan. No, not the case. Instead a mighty description of the power of God that David needed and called on in times of trouble.

Psalm 19

Many of the though noticed the title “For the Musician” and quickly noted, “where is the music.” The closest we came was in verses 3 and 4 where “the voice” goes out, but no words are spoken. While music may/may not be spoken, the description of God is awe inspiring: finer than Gold and pure than honey in the comb!

On a personal note, I reflected with the youth on the closing verses, that often helps o sharpe my sermons. While many pastors say this as a prayer before their message, these words are constantly on my mind as I go about the ministry of God:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
v. 14

Psalm 20

Our youth quickly noted that this would be a great Psalm to read in times of war, especially for the commanding officers. There is victory, strength, guidance and direction. All things needed from God, especially when in harms way.

Great insight from our youth. Glad I can share it with you, and I am looking forward to reading more with them in the days ahead.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Readings for the next few days:
Monday, June 17: Psalm 21-25 
Tuesday, June 18: Psalm 26-31 
Wednesday, June 19: Psalm 32-35 
Thursday, June 20: Psalm 36-39 
Friday, June 21: Psalm 36-39
Saturday, June 22: Psalm 40-45