So, I find myself in the desert. In relative solitude. It's hard to get really, totally alone these days. Even in the desert you find companions (see sign I found while hiking!) While I ponder, read and write down here in Phoenix, I am finding music a great companion, the neighbours dog, and some weird busy birds that just won't leave the bushes behind me. Oh, and have I mentioned I'm staying in a retirement village with some very active seniors? So I am in a desert and I have found one more companion for the experience. It is Psalm 63 of David, when he was in a desert. I've landed on this one and I just can't quite shake it.
It's words are disturbing me.
It's imagery is haunting me.
It's depths are calling to me.
And I pray it's changing me.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy.
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you; your right hand upholds me.
They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals.
But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God's name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced."
