speaks to me

For several months now, I've been reading through the Psalms. I try to read at least one a day, and occasionally more than one. Sometimes, I even get stuck on one, and read it over and over. One of my favorite things about scripture (and the Pslams in particular) is how it can be turned into prayers.

Just being honest here--but I've been a little bummed out this week. I had already been dreading March and April somewhat, just because in the world of public school, it's testing season and it gets a little stressful. Because of testing, I was already scheduled to work a little more than normal, but then found out this past Monday that I needed to work a week I wasn't scheduled. This extra week puts me basically working full-time (with the exception of Spring Break) from now until the beginning of May. My heart knows it should be thankful for God's financial provision (we've got several big needs we are trying to save for), but my head is having a hard time with it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE teaching and I am thankful God allowed me to be part time this year, but my school is a difficult and very tiring place to work. Not to mention the very full calendar we've got going on from now until Easter...

Anyway, I think I've read Psalm 86 about three times this week. For some reason, I just keep going back to it. Before bed last night, I shared with Evan how much this particular Psalm spoke to me and he told me to read it outloud. I don't know about you, but there is something powerful about reading scripture aloud. I got to about the fourth or fifth verse and the tears just started coming. I'm so thankful that in my times of desperation and when my planning doesn't quite work out the way I want, that God hears me, loves me and speaks to me.

Psalm 86
A prayer of David.

Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me;you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life— men without regard for you. But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.