Scripture
Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!
~Psalm 55:6, NLT
Quote
Life is short and unpredictable. Eat the dessert first!
~Helen Keller
In Psalm 11, David’s counselors advice him to flee to the mountains: possibly in the early stages of Absalom’s rebellion. Eventually David did retreat but initially, he refused to leave Jerusalem. David said, “My refuge is in the LORD.” His refuge was a person not a place. But in Psalm 55 he longs for the wings of a dove so he can fly away and be at rest. The dove survives on instinct. They have an acute awareness of danger and they fly away. When they sense a storm coming, they take flight. The dove is the symbol of peace because by nature, it is not a fighter. We don’t know exactly what was going on with David but in verse two he confesses, “I am overwhelmed by my problems.” Problems can be overwhelming. I don’t know a soul that does not have problems. David’s problems were so severe that he was traumatized: his heart was pounding, he felt a sense of terror and he could not stop shaking.
We all have problems but hopefully, not as severe as the ones David was facing. I hope your life is not being threatened but there is a good chance that something is being threatened. It could be your peace or ability to relax. It could be your job or even a relationship. What ever it is David offers some excellent advice: “Give your burden to the LORD, and He will take care of you.” [Psalm 55:22] I had a burden night before last and woke up with it yesterday morning: I gave it to the LORD and He carried me through. Tonight I am thankful for His grace and mercy. When we can’t run from, we can always run to…Jesus. Make Him your refuge, your hiding place. He is the only one who can give you REST. A part from HIM our souls are restless.
Just a word on Brenda Brooks: she is in the hospital at Tuscaloosa but may be discharged today. Brenda has gone down twice for test and both times, wound up in the hospital with complications. She said, “Forget the test, I want to go home.” Her heart got out of rhythm.
I want to commend the members at Grace Point: they turned out in mass Thursday night for the visitation and then again yesterday for Jimmy’s COLS. Jimmy was a good man and I don’t know that I’ve ever sensed the presence of the LORD more than I did in his service. God is good. I do appreciate our folks feeding the family. What a gesture of love and I always appreciate your prayers.
I want you to pray for Lou Hayes. She has had a tough week. Lord willing, I hope to see her today. I have spent the week on the road, three COLS in a row.