37: And on and on.
Blogged on Friday, April 6th, 2007 by Rachael. Filed in Emo.
This morning I picked up a book I’d been reading before, but which had been relegated to my need-to-finish-this pile: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. It’s a marvelous book, written by the man who translated The Message, which to me is like a long drink of cool water, its phrases and turnings of words are so lovely.
The chapter I had left off at is titled ‘Security’, and the Psalm quoted at the beginning is 125 (each chapter follows one of the Songs of Ascents, the songs that the Israelites sang on their way up to their festivals in Jerusalem).
Those who trust in God
are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain
you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and God encircles his people -
always has and always will.
The fist of the wicked
will never violate
What is due the righteous,
provoking wrongful violence.
Be good to your good people, God,
to those whose hearts are right!
God will round up the backsliders,
corral them with the incorrigibles.
Peace over Israel!
Now, stick with me - I’m getting to my point.
9 Responses to “37: And on and on.”
When my son’s died, in that moment that I stood looking at their bodies, absorbing the fact that they were indeed dead; I felt this very deep, very safe, secure, peaceful feeling that came from the five words my G_d was saying in my heart, mind and ears…..”You will get through this….”
Even though we have differing religious denominations Rach, I do understand what you’re saying here.
There is a quiet, masterful, potent strength that comes from the G_d of your worship and belief.
Most people don’t understand that in order to truly tap into that, you have to be silent and with him….
Very insightful post…… well written and definitely apropriate since it is Good Friday for you!
:)
**hugs**
Ps to Rach’s readers, the reason the word G_d was written with an underscore in place of the O is that in Judaism, we do not write his name - NO disrespect was meant to anyone by my underscoring his name - hope ya’ll understand :)
Apr 6, 2007
What a beautiful post. I especially like the part about the tightrope vs. the fortress. So many of us were raised to believe in the tightrope.
God has been teaching me to put things in His hands. Including people I love and the decisions they make. It’s amazing how freeing that is. I don’t have to worry and/or be judgmental (not that I would with you, anyway); God is big enough to take care of them.
I’m putting that book on my to-read list, btw. I’m reading the Message version this year and I love it.
Apr 6, 2007
I’m sorry I don’t know all the circumstances of your life, I just wanted to say I enjoyed your post. Your writing is fluid and poignant.
Apr 6, 2007
Cyli, Alison, and Irish - thank you very much, both for reading and for responding. :)
Apr 7, 2007
Rachael, very nice post. I don’t know everything that’s going on but it’s nice to see that you’re finding some peace
Apr 7, 2007
Aww Matt, thank you so much.
Apr 7, 2007
A very moving post that humbled me and caused me to pause and re-evaluate my own internal belief system. Check, check, check… yep, it’s working. Thank you for your open honesty and sharing of your spiritual journey.
Apr 8, 2007
I love this post! During some of the hardest times of my life, I’ve always reminded myself that God is always going wherever I am…one step ahead of me. That’s brought me so much peace and comfort.
Apr 12, 2007
Tony, and blondeblogger, thank you both. :)
Apr 12, 2007