Psalms and Transition

Since August 18th, I have slept in 6 different beds in 5 different states.  Our family is in transition and will continue this pattern until the end of September.  This is our life.  We love it.  We hate it.  We love connecting with family and friends we haven’t seen in at least two years.  We have laughed until we cried.     We have biked, shopped, driven way too many miles, and played games.  Our belts are a little tighter from all the good food fixed by those we have loved from afar but now are up close.  On the other side, we are living out of suitcases that are way too full.  We are ready to have a place that is just ours.  We long for a routine and a schedule.  Our future is known yet unknown.    We are in transition.

In my Bible reading, I have been trying to read a Psalm a day and am finding that Psalms is a great place to be when in transition.  Think about all the transitions David was in, shepherd to giant slayer to harp player to soldier to king.  So here are the reminders from Psalm that I needed this week.

1. Over and over the Psalms reminded me that God’s love is steadfast.  Psalm 118 does it 4 times in 7 verses.  Things around me are changing but God’s love remains the same.  For this reason, I am able to  give thanks and fear God with peace of mind and heart.  When the world around me is crazy, I can trust that God’s love is steadfast.

2. I am strengthen by God’s word.  In Psalm 119:28, the Psalmist says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”  When I am in God’s word, I can handle life much better.  On those days, when I put off my time with God, my emotions are more likely to be all over the spectrum.

3. I am easily distracted which is why I need the command in Psalm 119:36.  “Incline my heart to your testimonies and not to selfish gain.”  This is my prayer for my family and me.  It is so easy for it to be all about me when I want it to be all about Him.  Verse 37 goes on to remind me to “turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in your ways.” Right now, we are a little overwhelmed by all the choices of things to watch on TV or movies.  What is right for us to watch as a family?  How do I best need to spend my time this season?

4. The Lord is my portion.  (Psalm 119:57) When the Israelites went into the Promised Land, they were not give a portion or inheritance of the land.  God was their portion.  He was what they needed.  So as I long to have a place to call home during this transition, I am reminded that God is my portion.   He knows what I need.  He knows my restlessness.  He knows when I feel alone.  I am called to be content with Him and who He is.  I am called to rest in His steadfast love and trust that He is enough.

Transitions are a great place to be brought closer to God but also so easy for a person to drift in their relationship with God.  My prayer is that this transition season will be a time of spiritual renewal and growth for our family.