Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Psalm 86:1-10

Because we only ever read these poems we call the Psalms after they have been translated into our own language, we miss out on the original language’s flow, rhythms and rhymes that are such important elements of any poetry. Perhaps that’s why a psalm can sometimes feel like a slightly disorganised collection of thoughts. The lyrical beauty that holds it together in the original language may have been lost in translation.

If one has a leaning towards the beauty of words and phrases, one way to approach the discipline of meditating on a Psalm is to rewrite it in one’s own words. To be faithful to the original intent and meaning, one would have to start by reading it prayerfully and discerning the core truths the psalmist intends to convey. Having done this, one could then start from those core truths and work towards penning your own version. But even if one is not planning to rewrite it, reflecting on the Psalm and extracting the core truth-statements being made is a very helpful exercise.

If one was rewriting Psalm 86:1-10, here are the truth statements I believe one would have to incorporate:

• Lord, in relation to You, I am so obviously poor, needy and distressed.
• But I am absolutely determined to be faithful to You, because I trust You with all my heart.
• So I find myself calling on You all day long, praying to You and crying out for Your mercy and grace.
• I do this because I am absolutely certain that:
  • You will answer me
  • You will guard my life
  • You will save me
  • You will have mercy on me, and
  • You will bring me joy
• I know this beyond any shadow of a doubt because:
  • You are my God and I am your servant
  • You are forgiving
  • You are good
  • You abound in love to all who call on You
  • You are incomparable
  • You are great
  • You do marvellous deeds, and
  • You alone are truly God.

Would you own those truths and make them your own today?

Lord, I am so humbled to be Your child. I feel so absolutely safe and secure in Your love for me – not because of who I am , but because of Who You are! Thank You for loving me perfectly and thank You for always directing Your almighty power towards my highest best and Your greatest glory. Amen.