Shelter in the Storms of Life-Lessons from the Dog Park #4

Daleth (Psalm 119)

²⁵ I am laid low in the dust;
    preserve my life according to your word.
²⁶ I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;  teach me your decrees.
²⁷ Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word.
²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
    be gracious to me and teach me your law.
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I have set my heart on your laws.
³¹ I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
    do not let me be put to shame.
³² I run in the path of your commands,
    for you have broadened my understanding.

 

We’re working our way through Psalm 119 as I’ve been reflecting upon the activity at the dog park.  Perhaps now would be a good time to explain why Psalm 119 is an acrostic (arranged by letters of the Hebrew alphabet).  This was often done as a mnemonic device (something used to help people remember and memorize important things.)  It jogs the brain to remembering if the person speaking Hebrew knew which letter of the alphabet comes next and that the first word of the passage begins with that letter.

Today, we’re on Daleth, and the first word in Hebrew is dabaqah which means clings to.  Literally the first line of this is “My soul clings to the dust. Revive me according to your Word.”

Has your soul ever been weary with sorrow? 

Have you ever felt like your whole life collapsed and you’re just laying low, clinging to the dust because you’re that weary from the fight? 

It happens to the best of us. 

In fact, the more we’re trying to follow God, the more struggles seem to come our way.

The Psalmist has a remedy for that.  “Strengthen me according to your Word.”  The Master’s call can bring you to a place of shelter and safety.  A place to regain your energy and find a solid footing again.  A place of protection.

As I’ve been watching the dog park, a thunderstorm came out of nowhere.  It’s pouring.  A man and his daughter immediately sought shelter under the structure at the end of the dog park.  The rain didn’t seem to bother their dog that much until the thunder started.  Suddenly the dog came from running fancy free and drew very close to the master, deciding to lie down at his feet.  The calming influence of the master made it possible for both the dog and the daughter to cling to the man instead of being out in the elements and afraid.  The daughter climbed into his arms and the man held her close until the storm passed.

In life, storms happen.  They can be frightening and can rob us of our joy and peace in life if we let them.  Maybe there’s something I could learn about handling troubles from watching people and dogs at the dog park.  The Master is waiting and His Word can calm the storms of life, or in the midst of them, His Word and His nearness will calm His child.