Friends, Family and Provision

THURSDAY 2.21.08 - PSALM 22:26-31
The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him - may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.

Last night Lord, I sat in bed reading about joy. Eugene Peterson's book was noting that joy is not a requirement of the Christian walk, but instead a result. It kind of like, as we live the Christian faith we see You move and change hearts and minds, including our own, from time to time. To feel real joy in the present, we remember the times You've moved in the past and have confidence that You are going to act in a mighty way again in the future.

Eugene was pulling that insight from another psalm (126) but it's interesting how these themes of life and discipleship are woven into all parts of the text. Here in Psalm 22: "they who seek the LORD will praise him..." And who praises better than one who has joy, than one who remembers how the LORD has worked for them. In fact, "All the ends of the earth will remember..." This theme of remembrance is right there with the theme of praise and joy.

How often I forget that You have worked in my life Lord. And when I do try to remember, my mind immediately begins counting off the big possessions and provisions You've given me. Which seems shallow. I want to thank You in serious ways for the provision that You provide (house, car, job) and am even more grateful for the family You've given me (mom, dad, bros and sis's, parents in law, wife and son!) Really, these areas are such a blessing. But really, why can I only turn to these?

Well, to give myself a break, these are the things mentioned in the psalm here. I mean, "The poor will ear and be satisfied," this is the theme of provision. That You will, do, and have provided for our physical needs here. Later in the song, though it's not specifically being thankful for them, the "families of the nations" are mentioned. Provision and family, two very good things to be thankful for.

And You know, with Courtney's job situation all the sudden, provision wouldn't be such a bad thing to be joyful about. It certainly makes her nervous to again, seemingly, be without a job. Or have to go full time. It always sucks to seem to be without options. But then, how many times have You provided in a great way for her when she seemed to be without job options before? Can we remember, the bank out of nowhere when we got married. When she was tired of the stress in that position, the church was ready to hire her. When we formed our church she was able to pick up part-time gigs, subbing and then temping at the hospital. We don't know why this job would open and close, but maybe You can use this for the good. To show Your provision once again. And this whole entry is really about this: I shouldn't say maybe. I know You, and I know You to be good. I know You to be working for us. I know You will take this situation and work it for good.

I wish my thanks would go beyond friends and family and provision more often. But that's what seems to always be on my mind. I'm thankful for what You've given me. You have the power to continue to take care of all these situations. So, I guess I don't know how to pray about the Courtney situation except for...

Joy. In an attitude of joy I will pray. I know that You are working for the good, I don't know what that is, I will find out. But I will trust You with the provision for my family. You never fail it seems.

It's weird, I totally expected to find You today in "deeper" places than family, friends and provision, and look! I didn't have to go any farther than the memories of how You've provided to find thanks and joy. Sometimes the simple and straightforward are just as amazing. I love You and thank You this morning!

Speak to me today, speak through me today. Amen.