You Never Leave Me

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right.
Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free.
Be my rock of safety where I can always hide.
Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors.
O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!

My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.
And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.
Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.         Psalm 71:1-9 (NLT)

Lectionary texts for Holy Tuesday: Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 71:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, John 12:20-36

I have written in my Bible next to this psalm “My Birthday Psalm”. As I grow older, the psalm continues to grow in its meaning. I wonder what it is that has brought on more of a dependence on God.

God’s extravagant love. Without a doubt, the #1 answer. God has not given up on me. He just keeps pouring out His love in so many ways. He is faithful to be right here to talk with and teach me, 24/7. He is never taken by surprise when “things” happen. He can shoulder any and all burdens, my anger and frustration, and restores me every time I ask forgiveness.

Body, mind, and spirit. As I age, no matter how much I may not want to admit it, my body grows weaker. I become more aware of my mortality. I realize that my time here is finite. How much time do I have left to follow the call on my life; the mission that God has given me? My mind sifts the items that come to it and priorities become more clear. I begin to grasp what it means to put Kingdom work before the world’s. My spirit gains in strength as I spend more time with Jesus working on my spiritual muscles. I learn how being weak makes me strong because of Him. It’s spending time in God’s Word, not self-help books, that brings about peace and victory.

Revelation. It’s not about knowing when Jesus is coming back but knowing He is. As God reveals through His Spirit the Kingdom focus that He has for me every day, I see through His eyes the hurting individuals and the opportunities to reveal Him to another child who may not even know their need but He does.

This week is about redemption and forgiveness. Something that we all need every day.

Lead Me to the Cross by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood (2009)