Reading: Psalm 118

Shortly before two this afternoon, I sat down to read this Psalm. Before I started, I told the Lord I feel so bleak and empty and dry and overwhelmed and blah, blah, blah.

From the first verse, this reading was well-timed for me. Too bad I didn’t get to it first thing in the morning like I usually do!

“Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever” (3).

Let the house of Mark say that, too. Because it’s true! And without His mercy, there would be no house of Mark.

More verses fit me so well, I’ll include some of them here in case they fit you as well.

“I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place” (5).

“The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation” (14).

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (17).

“The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death” (18).

“I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation” (21).

“Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity” (25).

“Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee” (28).

from Psalm 118:27

A little bit more from Psalm 118: Just Do It!

Reading: Psalm 117

When the day is dark and the night is fearsome, why should I praise the Lord?

When the sea is rough and the waves keep driving me under, why should I praise the Lord?

When my failures stack up and my weaknesses become more apparent, why should I praise the Lord?

“For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD” (2).

Oh. So that’s why I should praise the Lord.

That makes sense.

Maybe the real question in my heart is not “Why?” but “How can I?!”

Obviously I need help.

(I’m sorry to be so dark and negative.)

from Psalm 117:1

A little bit more from Psalm 117: Praise Him, Mark!

Written shortly after seven this morning.