THURSDAY, July 8

Psalm 18:1-20. He brought me out into an open place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

Psalm 18 is filled with gratitude for what God has done in the psalmist's life. Over and over the biblical story depicts a saving God, a rescuing God who comes to take people out of harm's way and to restore their lives, to give them peace.

The Bible makes plain that it is at the heart of the divine character to save. What is not often said is that this characteristic act of saving occurs because of delight. The psalmist who composed Psalm 18 declares he was brought "out into an open place" and rescued because God "delighted in me."

God does not simply tolerate us. God does not only pity us. God delights in us, finds pleasure in us, seeks us out to save us because we give him joy.

Consider that you are God's joy, that God seeks you out to save you because God delights in you. God wants you to let him bring you into "an open place," a place without the confining walls of doubt and fear and hopelessness, a place full of light where you will know that God put you there for the sublime reason that God delights in you. (1995)

PRAY for the Diocese of Eastern Oregon (Province VIII, USA)

Ps 18:1-20 * 18:21-50; Deuteronomy 3:18-28; Romans 9:19-33; Matthew 24:1-14

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Jul 08, 2010 at 9:47 am

Written by CDL,

Thanks for such a positive message - it's wonderful to think that God might actually enjoy my company and share my sense of humor!

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Jul 08, 2010 at 12:25 pm

Written by Paulletta Aldridge,

how can God take delight in me, when I find it so hard to take delight in myself? I am going to noon Mass today,,maybe I'll find the answer there..

-1

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Jul 08, 2010 at 5:03 pm

Written by Cynthia Caruso,

I forget that God delights in me, but he does, the way I delight in a toddler, or in a puppy.

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Jul 08, 2010 at 5:05 pm

Written by Cynthia Caruso,

God delights in us the way we delight in puppies or children. I forget that a lot, but I'm a more joyful person, a person easier to be around, if I remember that.

timely

Jul 09, 2010 at 7:38 am

Written by jeff,

Reading this message this morning brings some hope for this day. I am recovering from diverticulitis, and the meds make me feel rather poorly I think. This message comes to me as a reminder that all will be well with, by, and in God. My hopefulness and faith has been renewed somewhat. Peace

Delight in Me?

Jul 09, 2010 at 8:25 am

Written by Stephen,

Good entry! The Psalmist also talks about the depths of the human problem. It talks about going after our enemies. This could be other humans, but I think for a lot of us it is the enemy that tries to undermine our sense of well being. Terrorist aim for this. Abusers of every kind seek to harm and control us. The Lord and his people must be a place of refuge and repair. Looking deep within, I find this place when I can find it nowhere else. False guilt is the work of the enemy. One who takes delight in us will not falsely accuse us, or hold our sins against us forever or even one second longer than our cry to Jesus. I have had times when there was no one to turn to. In the dark of night I remembered someone who I know always stood by me (in this case my late dad). I with him turned to Jesus. I believe God is wherever we can turn for a positive solution. And God is with us as we search for it.

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Jul 09, 2010 at 9:57 am

Written by Clay,

Cynthia, I think you've made an excellent analogy and have helped me look at today's Psalm from a new perspective. Thank you for giving me hope today.

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