Talking With God
Linda Street
Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Psalm 119:73
The Bible is so amazing in its timelessness. This text was originally composed sometime around the year 1000 B.C. The words of these verses indicate a personal conversation between the writer and God, himself. This writer felt comfortable talking with God — asking for understanding, accepting his judgements as “right” and seeking “tender mercies” and “merciful kindness.” Could this be the wrathful God we often assume shows up in the Old Testament? You bet! But this writer has also parsed out the loving kindness in a God who fashioned us with his hands.
More than 1000 years later we can imagine Jesus having a similar conversation with his Father as he takes his final steps to the cross. “They treated me wrongfully… help me to understand… I know that your judgements are right… I pray for your tender mercies.”
Today more than 1000 years again have passed, and these verses still hold meaning for us. Thousands of believers have read — prayed — or shared this text over the millennia. God’s people, across time, praying from their hearts as they search for understanding. “I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.” Thankfully we are mindful that the God who fashioned us with his own hands will send merciful kindness and tender mercies.
Father, God, we know you as the source of all we need. As our creator, you know more about our needs than we do. We pray to you for understanding. We trust that your judgements are right. We are confident that no matter what the situation, your tender mercies and merciful kindness will sustain us. Amen
Encounters With Christ 