Psalm 17:11 “They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.”

[Satan intentionally sends his servants out to track us down and attack. This description of spiritual warfare is expanded on in Psalm 62:3-4: “How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down– this leaning wall, this tottering fence?”

We are weak and unable to stand on our own against the attacks of Satan’s forces, whether he uses people or events, sickness or accidents, fear or frustration.]

“Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place;”They want to have us forget who we are in Christ–children of the Most High God, chosen, forgiven, adopted and delighted in—they want us to forsake Him as our high tower, to topple us into the swamp of self-pity, materialism and despair.]

“they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.”

[Satan’s forces can be slick, sounding so positive and constructive at times (“we welcome all, we don’t want anyone to be offended”), but their goal is destruction, causing people to accept lies and harmful values–as we see happening all around us today, with abortion, rampant divorce, twisting of the definition of marriage and political correctness.]

Our strength is inadequate, but yours, Lord God, is mighty, invincible, and infinite–you who breathed the stars, who hung the earth on nothing, who brings the dawn each day, you are able to empower us to stand in any situation.

Help us to remember these truths: that we are in a spiritual battle every day; that our real enemies are not people, but Satan’s forces using them. Help us to keep on the full armor you have provided, to fight with praise, prayer and persistence in obedience and to see your mighty power triumph in our lives and in those of people we are called to serve.]

Psalm 17:8b “hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

[You, Heavenly Father, actively shelter your children, covering us with your Presence and Power, keeping us safe from what is truly evil.

But we, like chicks, must choose to stay under your wings, to abide in your love, as you, Jesus, command us in John 15:9-10, “Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

If we choose to disobey your commands, Lord Jesus, and in arrogance and selfishness elevate our intellect and desires above your Word, as Adam and Eve did, we remove ourselves from the protecting shelter of your love.

Even then, though, you never stop loving us. You are always there, calling us, waiting for us to come and again abide in your shelter, your grace, your unconditional love.

And when we do stray in disobedience, you actively, in your love, chasten us by letting us suffer the consequences of our poor choices (Heb. 12:1-17). You do this so we will come to our senses and return to obedience to you.

You WILL hide us under your wings, if only we will come and abide there.]

Help us, Lord, to abide in your love, obeying what we know to be true, reveling in the Truth of your great and wonderful compassion and care for us. May we have the glow of your love in our hearts, in our souls and on our faces as we go with you into today, that we may bring light and hope to all those we meet.

This week’s autobio

Last week we wrote about Nat’s very short courtship leading to his good, long marriage He needed a nudge to consider the girl he married. And so did our older son was much more cautious. He had had two difficult relationships that hadn’t worked out; then a third girl had declined his offer to pursue a relationship with him, so he was now “gun shy.”

Well, we knew a girl who, in our minds at least, seemed just right for him. She was a young friend of Barbara’s whom we considered our “adopted” daughter, a part of the family already. I suggested to our son that he consider a relationship with her, as she had all the qualities he had told us he wanted in a wife.

She was a committed and growing believer, had already worked in the country for several years, knew the language well, was involved in ministry, was a member of our company and was fully supported. What more could he want? But he was reluctant, fearful of another rejection.

Finally the girl herself suggested they pursue a friendship and one of the things they decided to do was to read together the book, Boy Meets Girl by Josh Harris. They slowly worked their way through it, using it as a stimulus to discuss important issues and to get to know each other.

In the last chapter they were instructed to ask someone older for advice about taking the next step of commitment, so they came to me. My advice was for each of them to take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side they were to write all the positive reasons for their getting married and on the other, the negatives. They both came back with a long list of positives, while each had only one reason against marrying, a financial one.

“Well, that issue is easily resolvable,” I said, and helped them see how they could work out a solution. It still took our boy a while to work up his courage to pop the question, but when he finally did, she didn’t have to think twice before saying, “Yes!”

Having friends and family in three widely dispersed places, they decided to have three wedding celebrations! The first one was held in Connecticut at our home church. It was a very nice time, attended by many friends and family members. One highlight for us was that Dr. Goodell, who had given us advice at our wedding, read the same advice to the young couple. Another highlight was that the bride sang a beautiful song for us. I admired her poise in such a situation.

The actual legal wedding took place in the girl’s home church in Maine. They set a date in early April, but the bride’s mother suggested they have it a week later, knowing that Maine can get snowstorms even in April.

Well, on the original date they had great weather, but on the actual day of the wedding they awoke to a snow storm! In spite of the weather it was another very nice event with family and friends from both sides coming to celebrate with us. The ceremony was a joyful one, filled with lots of uplifting songs and words of encouragement.

Then when they returned to our country of residence as a married couple, we had the third celebration of their marriage at the local international fellowship. For us, it was actually the most special celebration because all the people we’d worked with over the last twenty- plus years were there to celebrate with us as our extended family.

It was wonderful and the beginning a a very fine marriage which has seen lots of positive ministry to others. Our son and his wife now do a good deal of marriage counselling, sharing what they’ve learned with others. As I like to say, the main reason for getting married is that the couple can minister better together than alone, and so it is with them.

Psalm 17:7 “Show the wonder of your great love,

[Yours, Lord Jesus, is a love far richer and deeper, more committed than even David could know in his time.

He was not able to see your great plan to move through your immense suffering–spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and volitionally–which you were willing to endure because of your love for your rebellious creatures. To say “your love is wonderful” is a woefully inadequate statement! Praise you for your immeasurable, mighty, all-encompassing, all consuming compassion]

“you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”

[Your right hand, the hand of honor, is powerful and adequate to save us in any danger. You, Lord Jesus, are our sure Refuge, our high Tower, our mighty Rock, our righteous Redeemer and our s all-sufficient Savior who is every watching over us.

Our part is to run to you and take shelter in that refuge. We are called to partnership with you and need to actively join you so you can do your promised part.

[This is so relevant to me right now, as a neighbor is threatening me with legal action (although I’ve done nothing wrong!) It is a great chance to trust God long before any resolution occurs]

I praise you, Lord God, that you, in your immense might, your persistent power, your notable knowledge of all and your pervasive presence, can never be defeated.

No one can trick you, fool you or get around you. Therefore, you are fully able to protect us, to bring us through whatever events you allow and bring us down your green path and out into the wide and pleasant place you have prepared, into the green pastures of your pleasure.

We praise you now for what you will do today in protecting us, preparing all for us and providing what we need, leading us along the right path. May we live in the light of this truth and rest in you, no matter what comes.]

Psalm 17:3 “Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing;”

[Here is a statement I find hard to understand. I cannot say this–only a slight probe in me will find a multitude of wrong in my motives, thoughts and actions. Perhaps David was speaking more of the fact that he has not responded incorrectly in his present situation; maybe he has forgiven and prayed for the good of his enemies. Perhaps he has already confessed his sin in the situation and now stands cleansed as far as he knows.]

“I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”

[He’s not going to give a response of the flesh, but speak what he knows is pleasing to you, Lord. That hints at checking his motives, thinking through his possible responses and choosing to obey what he knows is right. May I live like that.]

Psalm 17:4 “As for the deeds of men—by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.”

[Here David, who was a man of war, is perhaps talking specifically of the instance before him where he did not respond to these people in violence (which he could have done), acting instead according your commands in grace and quietness. May I do the same!]

Psalm 17:5 “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

[As David sought to obey, running in the paths prepared by you, Lord, he did not stumble or fall. It was only when he strayed from your path that he slipped, fell and took many others down with him

Lord keep me on your path, surround me with your hedge of thorns, pricking me immediately when I zig or zag off your way so I can quickly repent and get back on your path. May I not slip today and thereby like David bring you honor.]