"Greatly have they oppressed me since my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.... The Lord, the Righteous One, has cut the cords of the wicked." Psalm 129:2,4 This psalm is not a blessing like yesterday's psalm. In fact Psalm 129 begs people not to give any blessing to the oppressor. Why? The psalmist has experienced oppression from childhood, has finally been … [Read more...] about Psalm 129 (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalms on the Trail
Psalm 128 (Psalms on the Trail)
"May God bless your from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life." Psalm 128:5 Often on the trail this past week I would stop and talk a minute with those who passed by. "Safe journey" would be the short blessing as we headed off in opposite directions to climb more rock outcroppings and search for toe holds while descending … [Read more...] about Psalm 128 (Psalms on the Trail)
Playing on the Trail (Psalms on the Trail)
These surprised beauties in my garden are doing what flowers should be doing at night---resting from all the photosynthesis and pollination that goes on during the day. And I am resting too. I am taking two weeks off, mostly for vacation. This time I will be backpacking on the AT in New Jersey and New York. The weeks of rain have finally turned into some promising beautiful … [Read more...] about Playing on the Trail (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalm 127 (Psalms on the Trail)
"Unless the Lord builds the house, their labor is in vain who build it.... It is vain to rise early and go to bed so late; vain, too, to eat the bread of toil; for you, Lord, give sleep to your beloved." Psalm 127:1-2 One never knows what kind of houses one might find on the trail. This, I think, is a yellow jacket nest. Tell me if you know otherwise. I … [Read more...] about Psalm 127 (Psalms on the Trail)
Psalm 126 (Psalms on the Trail)
"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then we were like those who dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nation, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed." The psalmist's words above are full of excitement. Something has happened … [Read more...] about Psalm 126 (Psalms on the Trail)