...words of violence...words of peace...

When considering the short days we have, and our thirst for the “steadfast love of God”, sometime this is expressed with violence in the Psalms, and other time with language of peace.

Consider for example the violent language in Psalm 18:

39 For you girded me with strength for the battle;

you made my assailants sink under me. . . .

41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them;

they cried to YHWH, but he did not answer them.

42  I beat them fine, like dust before the wind;

I cast them out like the mire of the streets. . . .

43 People whom I had not known served me.

44 As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;

foreigners came cringing to me. . . .

49 For this I will extol you, O YHWH, among the nations,

and sing praises to your name.

50 Great triumphs he gives to his king,

and shows steadfast love to his anointed,

to David and his descendants forever”

(Psalm 18.39, 41–44, 49–50).

And now consider the more peaceful language of the end of our days and the utter need of God’s steadfast love in Psalm 72:

“1 Give the king your justice, O God,

and your righteousness to a king’s son.

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with justice.

3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,

and the hills, in righteousness.

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

give deliverance to the needy,

and crush the oppressor.

5 May he live while the sun endures,

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.”

      (Psalm 72:1-5).

Oh Lord, I pray for Your steadfast love. My life has not always been filled with faithful living, but on this day I wish to tell You that I love You and wish only for Your mercy and steadfast love that endures for ever. I have always loved You, despite my sin. Be gentle and peaceful with me, and when my last breath comes to me and I turn to dust, receive my spirit, my soul, into eternal life with You. May I turn to You as Psalm 72:17 inspires me to pray:

“MY YOUR NAME ENDURE FOREVER,

YOUR LOVE CONTINUE BEYOND THE LAST SUNSET.

MAY ALL NATIONS BE BLESSED BY YOU;

AND MAY WE PRONOUNCE

YOUR HAPPINESS WITH US

AND YOUR STEADFAST LOVE FOR US ALL” Ps.71:17

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. Amen.