From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Jan 25, 2024 at 5:49 AM

Subject: 1-25-24 THOUGHTS

1-25-24   THOUGHTS

As I read the psalm below, I was struck by the thought of  “how easy it is for us to find things to complain about!”  Why is it easier to see what’s wrong than what’s right?    For one thing, our spirits get overwhelmed by the circumstances that surround us.  Problems grow like weeds, we must cultivate and labor for the good.  David says “there is no escape, no one cares...”   There are many psalms that follow this pattern.  David  knew trouble and remorse.  Here was David’s anchor... “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.”   Verse 7 shows hope for a better tomorrow.   May we give thanks to the name of our Lord!

Ps 142:1-7    I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.  2  I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him. 3  When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path. In the way where I walk  They have hidden a trap for me.  4   Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me; There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul. 5  I cried out to You, O LORD; I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living. 6  "Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me. 7  "Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me."

My Prayer:
Father, help us to see all that You have done for us so clearly,  that the problems of this earth will flee from us.  May the foundation of our hope be steadfast for our overcoming.  Fix our eyes on You, the cross, the resurrection, and Jesus as Savior,  so powerfully that this becomes our life.  May zeal from You drive comfort and apathy from us.  Teach us to boldly, humbly and joyfully engage our world.  May Your Word dwell within us.   May the song that “Jesus saves”  be always in our hearts and on our lips.  Give us Your Spirit, that our spirits would not be overwhelmed.  Please accept our praise and thanksgiving.   

In the name of our Lord,      Amen.