Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth. Psalm 31:5 By the time night was descending, I was in my tent, tucked under the quilt reading my last psalm for the day by the light of the headlamp. I might jot down a few notes about the day in my tiny journal before I would turn off the lamp, placing it in easy reach for any middle of … [Read more...] about Psalm 31 (Psalms on the Trail)
Archives for January 2016
Psalm 30 (Psalms on the Trail)
You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. Psalm 30:11-12 Reflection: Once upon a time when I was a young adult, people would frequently comment on what a great smile I had. Nobody does that anymore. Instead, I frequently hear: Pastor, is something wrong? Usually, nothing is. Usually, the question comes … [Read more...] about Psalm 30 (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalm 29 (Psalms on the Trail)
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. Psalm 29:1,4,7 Reflection: Sometime in June (2015) while I was hiking in Virginia, astronomers discovered an immensely powerful stellar explosion. It was announced in … [Read more...] about Psalm 29 (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalm 28 (Psalms on the Trail)
"O save our people, and bless your heritage; be their shepherd, and carry them forever." Psalm 28:9 Reflection: There is a kind of relationship between a hiker and her backpack. It is unthinkable that I could ever forget or abandon it. It is my lifeline. If I go, it goes with me, even when carrying it makes the journey ten times more difficult. It is carried through … [Read more...] about Psalm 28 (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalm 27 (Psalms on the Trail)
Reflection: I don't consider myself to be a courageous person. In fact, I can be a "shrinking violet" about a lot of things. I was fearful when a thunderstorm would hit while I was on a ridge (somewhat justified). I was fearful that I wouldn't be able to complete the climb. I can be fearful about circumstances in my daily life. Fear, I am learning, is not something to … [Read more...] about Psalm 27 (Psalms on the Trail)