A Burden Carried

A letter written and not sent.

A language read but not understood.

A stroke observed and not overcome.

A miscarriage with complications but without a baby.

A passage exposited and not taught.

A gospel preached and not accepted.

A man wounded and not willing to heal.

A woman in fear but willing to trust.

A mission of hope but not peace.

A word heard and yet not quite believed.

These are the things that have dominated my mind and my time the past 45 days or so. It hasn't been quite as dramatic as it sounds, but it has been dramatic enough. Perhaps I will be able to tell of some of it - but if I am to write, it is not of trials, but truth. Sometimes, though, the two dwell in the same place.

He

" Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;

and I will keep it ^to the end.

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law

and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments,

for I ^delight in it.

Incline my heart to your testimonies,

and not to ^selfish gain!

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;

and ^give me life in your ways.

Confirm to your servant your promise,

^ that you may be feared.

Turn away the ^reproach that I dread,

for your rules are good.

Behold, I ^long for your precepts;

in your righteousness give me life!"

Ps 119:33-40