“The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure.”
Psalm 12:6
These trillium faithfully return to a ridge in northern Virginia every May where they blanket the forest floor in vast numbers. For that reason, photographers are drawn to this spot every year, never doubting the promise of their return. But sometimes promises are hard to come by. If you dare to read the whole psalm, the composer of Psalm 12 is overwhelmed by the lies, flattery, and boasting of power-hungry people whose intention is to gain power and influence through dishonest persuasion. The result of all the smooth talking and accumulated power is apparently a vast, oppressive disregard for the poor and needy in the community. In contrast, the psalmist remembers God’s word—a promise to protect and guard the vulnerable. God’s promises are true, pure and can be counted on, says the psalmist, who therefore confidently prays for help. So this morning, as I remember the multitude of faithfully returning trillium along the trail, I also remember those promises of God I find myself revisiting and from which I draw strength.
Suggestions: (For those of you who like to comment directly on this blog, the comment feature had been inadvertently turned off. It is now reset to accept comments after approval. You may also comment, of course, on the Facebook link.)
1. Take this verse with you and ponder its meaning for you throughout the day. What do you notice? What do you wonder? (Clicking on photo enlarges it.) Can you write down the promises of God that you find yourself turning to in your daily life?
2. Or read all of Psalm 12 to discover how this verse fits into the psalm.
3. Or comment with a photo of your own that illustrates this verse’s meaning for you.
Tomorrow’s verse: Psalm 13:1
Starting January 1, 2016, for 150 days I am posting a daily psalm verse with a photo that is a visual meditation on the text for me. Each day a verse from the next psalm is chosen until all 150 psalms have been featured. To participate you may subscribe to my blog at https://elainedent.net or “friend” me on Facebook and watch for the daily links to blog posts. Disclaimer: I am not a photographer and most of the photos are from a cell phone or small camera while hiking the Appalachian Trail or the C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage Trail.
Holly says
These meditations are blessing me deeply in this new year, Elaine. The vivid contrast of God’s pure Word and promises and the devastating deceit of the godless powerful in today’s psalm gives much to ponder. Blessings as you continue to share with us each day!
Elaine says
Thanks for the encouragement, Holly! It’s a different kind of pilgrimage for me to attempt to do this for 150 days. And as for today’s post—I find myself getting so discouraged by hateful, disparaging and blaming rhetoric. I have heard myself say that if such-and-such happens I am moving to Canada. I guess this psalmist encourages me to stay put, speak honestly, watch out for the vulnerable and trust in God’s promises.