Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Psalm 39:1-10 (NIV)
1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” 2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; 3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. 6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. 7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
Choose one or two key verses from the Scripture reading in Psalms today and do at least one of the following for your chosen verse(s).
A – Ask questions of the text (Who, what, why, where, when)
E – Emphasize certain words as you read the text over & over
I – In your own words (paraphrase one or more verses)
O – Other verses in the Bible that say the same or opposite
U – Use it; apply the truth from the text in your life
Lord, at times I can be tired and disheartened; the news, the problems I face, and the busyness of my day can make it easy to be worn down with hopelessness. Forgive me, Lord. Quiet my heart and help me to embrace hope on purpose so that it influences my thoughts, my attitude, my outlook and the way I speak. Motivate me to take action by causing me to step out in faith and act in obedience with Your Word no matter what is going on around me. Restore my heart with the joy of your salvation and fill me with anticipation of what you are doing in my life and in this World. Amen