Back in the day, people used animal skins as containers to hold liquids like wine. Another function would be to hang the skin on their tents. When the people made fires they needed a device to act like a sponge for the smoke. The skin acted as this neutralizer. Immediately after absorbing the smoke for a long period of time the skin shriveled up and turned black. It was then considered useless.
Psalm 119 Kaph. We continue on the journey. Sorry I haven't written on the other entries. My energy has been sapped the past couple of days. Sorry hun, if I haven't been much fun...I'll make it up to ya in about 5 minutes, lol.
Back to the psalmist: "Though I am like wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees."
This entry speaks to me about a guy who is just straight up down-trodden. He is asking God: "how long must I wait", "when will you comfort me". He is being persecuted, he is suffering and he is tired and he recognizes how 'they' almost won.
What is it in life that constantly brings us down? That for days, months, or years has had this grip around our necks, not allowing us to breathe, panting for God to help. And where is God? Do you feel like that sometimes. You pray and you feel like it bounces off the wall and no one is listening. Are there people in your life that constantly bring you down, force you to be mediocre, applaud when you settle, and delight when you sin? Are you about to lose the fight and just give in? I have known people like that way too often. You know the type, the people that just love it when you are down-and-out. Misery loves company. GET OUT!
Here is a guy in this Psalm who is where many of us are today in our spiritual walks. Struggling, trying to seek God amidst a pack of wolves waiting for you to falter so that they can pounce. Is your spiritual walk like that wineskin? Shriveled up. Blackened. Hardened. Useless. But, why not just accept it. God, Im worthless, useless, no good. Be done with me. NOT SO FAST. The psalmist says, you know what, even though I am used up- I will never forget you God. I am even that much more desperate for you to guide my every step!
Know that God RESTORES. David writes in his Psalms that, "God restores my soul". Allow Him to work in your life in a very special way this week, restoring a new vigor to worship Him, a new passion to overcome whatever it is holding you back, and a forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Any hang ups, hurts, worries- God can Restore! You gotta ask.
Praying for you this week hun. Be safe driving and enjoy your time working hard. Pray for me as school starts up in full gear just that I can stay diligent and healthy!
God thank you for everyday I have with my wife. Each day is a gift from You alone.
love,
daniel
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Daniel,
ReplyDeleteThese posts are amazing -- I have come to really look for them (so get busy!). :)
You and Katie are amazing young people.
In some ways, reading these posts seem almost like accidentally listening in on a private convo between two loves.... so personal, so direct. But it is this "realness", this transparency that makes each post so alive and applicable.
Thank you... truly.
~Ruth