The Psalms are so special to me. There have been many times in my walk with God that I have perused the pages of this beautiful book and found comfort and encouragement. I have always loved music and poetry and the book of Psalms has brought a special light to this love.
I can remember when I was young and new to the idea of studying the Bible on my own, I would often find myself flipping through the “bite size” chapters. Over the years as I branched out into a more diverse Bible reading process, Psalms has remained a constant companion for me and so complementary to all of my other studies.
I know that my interaction with this book of the Bible is not unique to me, and I am sure that my insights of these passages are far from exceptional. However, in my time in the study of who God is and who I am in Him, the Psalms have been a consistent and true guide for my heart.
Some time last year I started reading one Psalm each day to start my quiet time each day. I was greatly helped by this to focus on God and His presence as I began my prayer and study time. Most days, I would then move on to a reading plan or study that I was involved in. I love it when I have days that I can spend more time and study deeper. Unfortunately, some days are not conducive to me spending a long amount of time dedicated to study at the start of my day. Those busy mornings I started giving myself grace, and being content with meditating on a Psalm and going on with my responsibilities for the day.
I feel like God was gracious to me with this lesson of flexibility in what my morning study looks like. I also believe that it prepared me for the unfocused season that I have walked (nor am walking) through this year. My middle aged body has had a rough year that has caused my mind to be unfocused in a strange, new way. The multiple medical issues that I have been walking through have left me weary and scatterbrained most days when it comes to reading and more importantly, comprehending what I read. I am trusting that this is a season, and hoping that the glimpse of light I have today is evidence that the clouds are parting from my stormy mind.
I am so thankful and have been so blessed in this season for the practice of reading a Psalm first thing when I seek God. There have been so many days this year when that is all I could accomplish in my reading, yet God spoke through it and nourished my soul. I hope to write about many of the thoughts that God has comforted me with during in this time.
Most recently, I have made it back around to Psalm 46.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
Psalm 46:1-3 ESV
This has been a favorite in my mind for many years. When I was still young, and learning what it meant to lean on God in difficult times, I came across this chapter as I aimlessly perused the book. This was a particularly dark time for me in high school. I clung to Psalm 46:1 and meditated on it regularly. I even wrote it on a card, and hung it where I would see it regularly. This reinforced the truth that God can be and is the refuge for me when everything in my life is falling apart. He is the One that I can go to when even the people closest to me are no longer safe for me to lean on. This was a life lesson of who God is for me in times of crisis or rejection.
As you can imagine, there have been many occasions since high school that I have sought refuge again in God and His Word. This passage often comes to mind first in those difficult times. This passage and truth about God has once again been so helpful as I have weathered this year’s new challenges with my health. God’s faithfulness in the hard times, has grown my faith in Him.
Teresa Hare 
Leave a comment