I enjoy the Psalms probably more than any other book in the Bible. It holds both sentimental and practical value for me. It's so easy to flip through the pages and find yourself in common with someone thousands of years older than you. It says something about our humanity doesn't it? That even in the midst of all our technological advances, we are still only human. And along with our humanity comes the most basic of needs, to be loved. David, unapologetically, shares his doubts and fears, victories and shouts of joy all throughout the 150 chapters. At once it is both a book of encouragement and a book screaming out for mercy and salvation. So why is it in the midst of all this pain and darkness we experience on earth, we are quick to lose hope. And not the kind of hope that comes in a bottle, a message, or a Sunday morning service. But a living breathing person. Hope that never forgets us. Hope that can't be tarnished. Hope that lasts. I know because I've fought with my own doubts and come out the other side seeing hope for who He really is.
The following passage has been a continual source of strength and hope for me in dark times. I pray that it does the same for you today.
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:7-12