Read Psalm 100
If I summoned him and he answered me, I do not believe that he would listen to my voice. Job 9:16 (NRSV)
Thought For The Day
The capacity to endure is in believing and trusting.
Much has been written about the Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. This collection of songs was a departure from their normal tunes about the culture of surfers.
While the band’s trademark vocal harmonies remained, the instrumentation, chord structures, and lyrics were quite different on Pet Sounds.
These songs composed by their leader, Brian Wilson, were remarkable, and the lyrics from Tony Asher were an introspective match.
One song, “You Still Believe In Me,” asks a challenging question in the relationship between a young man and young woman. The young man asks—“And after all I’ve done to you, how can it be, you still believe in me?”
That same question often runs through my mind. How is it that through the disappointments and frustrations I have put the good Lord through that he still believes in me?
In a similar way, Job (9:16) probes: “If I summoned him and he answered me, I do not believe that he would listen to my voice.”
Clearly, there are times when Job’s statement matches my thinking.
But, I need to realize that no matter how much I put the Lord through, he does not give up on me.
His foundation of love, grace, trust, hope, and forgiveness can’t be shaken.
There is an enduring harmony in his foundation.
That harmony holds me with this truth—he still believes in me, and I must believe in him.
Prayer: Father of us all, no matter what we face, endure our hearts to trust that you will still believe in us and we in you. Amen
Prayer Focus: Musicians and songwriters
By Bill Pike edited and submitted to the Upper Room on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
October 10, 2019 notified by the Upper Room this piece was being held for consideration.
August 31, 2020 notified by Upper Room this piece was no longer being considered for publication.
might be baloney 