For God alone my soul
in silence waits;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will you assail me to crush me,
all of you together,
as if you were a leaning fence,
a toppling wall?
They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor;
lies are their chief delight.
They bless with their lips,
but in their hearts they curse.
For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
In God is my safety and my honor;
God is my strong rock and my refuge.
Put your trust in him always, O people,
pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath,
even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
On the scales they are lighter than a breath,
all of them together.
Put no trust in extortion;
in robbery take no empty pride;
though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
God has spoken once, twice have I heard it,
that power belongs to God.
Steadfast love is yours, O Lord,
for you repay everyone according to his deeds. Psalm 62
Dear Auntie Elizabeth,
It is early morning, and the road is already crowded. We will reach Bethlehem very soon. The noise of the people and animals, along with the reeking smells has made me quite ill to my stomach. Mama said that was normal, but I didn't think it lasted this long. Along with feeling sick, I'm getting pretty angry with the occupying army. They stop us often, ask where we are going and sometimes even inspect and touch us. So gross! I know I have to cooperate, and Joseph encourages me to say nothing, but I want to scream! How can God's people and this sacred land be treated so disrespectfully. I have been praying for a peaceful heart and speaking and singing our psalms, but my anger and frustration are still there.
We are about to leave our relatives' home. They had arranged lodgings with another relative, but the word came that they were full up. We will stop and see them in Bethlehem as they promised to help us find lodging, once we arrive. Joseph and I are both pretty anxious about losing the comfortable housing we had arranged. Everyone here says not to worry, we will find a place. I wish I was that confident, but this is our first trip as husband and wife and everything on this trip has been a disaster. I know that the Lord is with us, but I do feel quite overwhelmed and afraid despite it all. I breathe and pray as you taught me and that provides some comfort, especially when I am riding on the donkey and the road is bumpy and full of rocks! Please get word to Mama that we are fine, and please don't share the worrying details. I write when we settle in Bethlehem.
love,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment