Waiting On God

David's words in Psalm 25 provide guidance for you and for me when we're in a difficult situation.

David acknowledges he is needy and sinful. He knows full well that if God doesn't come through for him, he is "undone." 

As David waits for God to intervene, he does more than moan and groan. He talks to God about the crisis--without going into great detail (since God already knows all about it!). Rather than just beg God to get him out of the current mess, he says to God: "Lead me in Your truth, teach me Your paths, show me Your ways, guard my soul," etc. 

He also praises God by saying things like, "Good and upright is the LORD...He teaches the humble His way....All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies..."

Reminding himself of who God is and how mercifully and lovingly He deals with His children increases David's faith, enabling him to trust God even more as he waits expectantly for God to do what He knows is best for all concerned.

Like David, we do need to talk with God about our troubles and/or those of others. As we wait to see what God does, we can experience greater calm, comfort, and confidence if we'll repeatedly remind ourselves of God's goodness and power. 

Acrostic of Praise and Prayer

Note: After reading Psalm 25, written by David, I noticed the note at the bottom of page that said “This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.” I’m glad I read the note, since, being totally unfamiliar with the Hebrew alphabet, I wouldn't have recognized the psalm as an acrostic. And…even though I know nothing about the “mechanics” of David’s psalm, I tried my hand at writing the acrostic below, which, of course, is far less excellent than his! But the words came from my heart, as David’s did from his! Dear Reader, would you like to create an acrostic of praise and prayer?

Awesome God,

Blessed forever,

Creator of all,

Desire of the ages,

Emmanuel,

Forgive me for all my sins against you and others.

Give me peace—wonderful, indescribable peace.

Help me to praise You in all I do and say.

I humbly thank You in

Jesus’ name for blessing me, for

Keeping Your every promise, and for

Loving me more than my mind can conceive.

May You be honored and adored both

Near and far.

Open my eyes so that I may see Your

Perfection and purity.

Quietly now I wait before Thee,

Ready to do what You say,

Seeking to please You in all

Things, both great and small.

Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my

Voice—and unto Thee, O LORD,

Will I do my work so that ordinary tasks become ways to honor and serve You.

X-ray my entire being, give me a thorough check-up, and then cleanse Me and heal me.

You, the One who can do ALL things, increase my

Zeal for You—not only for today but also for all the days You’ve planned for me.

Colusa National Wildlife Refuge is one of six refuges in the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex located in the Sacramento Valley of north-central California. The refuge is about 70 miles north of the metropolitan area of Sacramento.