Judges 9-11; Psalm 17; Luke 23

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,

Psalm 17:8 ESV

I wonder how many words of the ancient psalms of David, Asaph, and others ran through Jesus’ thoughts as he stood trial and suffered the crucifixion. I have clung to them through my life’s trials and challenges. In the midst of childbirth, in the hospital waiting room, when struggling through a parenting situation late into the night, when snickered at for my faith. I find myself reciting lines from familiar hymns, familiar psalms, and crying out to God.

¹⁸ But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.

Luke 23:18-23 (excerpts) ESV

As the frenzy of the crowd prevailed, Jesus found his peace within. I’m sure he and the Father had a constant dialogue through those hours filled with agony. He knew, the worst was yet to come. Darkness then fell. The symbolically beautiful tearing of the temple curtain, and then, it was finished.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
⁷ Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

Psalm 17:6,7 ESV

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

Psalm 17:15 ESV

Regardless of how God chooses to respond to our situation, I find great comfort that He knows best. On the other side, and often in the midst, I will see Him, His righteousness. And, when I awake from every trial this life has to throw my way and find myself on the other side of death, I will finally fully realize that all I need and have and am is in Him.

Dear Jesus, you went through so much out of love for me. Help me to surrender with the same reckless abandon, remembering that you love me and have the best plan already worked out. Thank you for the strength and security I find in You that might not remove me from the heartache or pain, but will see me through it. In Jesus name, Amen.

Erin (6intow)

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