My soul waits in silence for God only;

From Him is my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation,

My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6)

A good friend who along with myself was a part of a men’s group that met faithfully for years commented, after reading one of my recent Blue Book installments, that he didn’t know I was in so much pain back when we were meeting. That set me to thinking. How could he have known?

I recall that time frame. I was intensely seeking the Lord and I was fairly aggressive in encouraging others around me to do the same. But, while it may have appeared I was riding a big wave, some undercurrents threatened to pull me under. It’s not likely my friend could have known because, except with God, I was pretty silent about it.

My soul waits in silence for God only; 

From Him is my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation, 

My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

I really didn’t understand what God was doing anyway. It was at this time I had put verses 1 and 2 of this Psalm to memory. I recall, as I was walking around the YMCA track, a melody came to me, and by the second lap or so, I was singing a new song. That evening I found the guitar chords to go with it. I had made it mine.

In the 12 verses of this Psalm, the word “my” is used repeatedly. Twice, those verses are used like a chorus or a refrain from dark observations and warnings for men of base character.

There is really no 12 Step Guide for The Ways of God In The Heart of Man, but the Psalms do a superb job in that particular book’s absence. How does the Christian religion get translated into the personal relationship that it purports to offer? Is it just given to us, or do we have to make it ours? How has your personal relationship with God been formed?

I think the Psalmist answers those questions for us. Through the seasons of our lives, we are hit with things that shake us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have not met anyone yet exempted from these things. There are some, who follow the Psalmist’s wise advise and make relationship out of religion by: “Trusting in Him at ALL times ” (especially those in which we think we may be pulled under) and “Pouring out our their hearts before Him” (being intentionally present with God and being emotionally honest with Him—and, if possible, a few trusted friends).

I believe we are given an abundant gift of salvation that is a free gift. I also believe, we must make it ours by intentionally choosing to trust Him (especially in the turbulent seasons). In doing so, we can actually create new seasons within us –more independent of outward circumstances, either good or bad. The outcome of this persevering is the most valuable thing a human can enjoy: the ability to say, “God, You are my hope! You are my rock! You are my strength! You are my refuge! You are my hope! You are my salvation! You are my all in all! You are mine! I believe the abundant life Jesus offers can straighten out all the question marks that trials raise and turn them into exclamation points as He proves Himself faithful in our personal experience. Until we make it ours, we may have salvation (the forgiveness of sin part), but the fullness and abundance of that word may be wasted on us.

Father, may we learn that, in all things, it is with You whom we have to do, that You are present always inviting us to enjoy the fullness and abundance of Your salvation. Help us trust where we cannot understand. Help us to let go of our insistence on rational explanations before we will trust. Your work is finished! Help us to do ours. Amen.

 

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