Apr 22 (Daily reading: Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21, NIV) Today’s psalms show a cycle in our spiritual journey. Sometimes we cry out: “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long?” (6:3), only to be assured that, “The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer” (6:9). This leads to praise, “LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (8:1, 9) and thankfulness, “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (9:1).
Then, a new day comes with its challenges, and we say again: “Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1). When we honestly seek Him, we are again led to affirm: “You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry” (10:17). How significant is it that he hears us? “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we have asked of Him” (1 Jn. 5:14-15, NIV).
Perhaps you remember the story of the atheist who sought justice for his cause. He was upset because Christians had Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. He wanted a day set aside for atheists. The judge ruled that a day already existed, April 1, April Fool’s Day, based on our reading in Psalm 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
Let us join David in praying: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (19:14).
– Al Gary
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