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Don’t dump me, GOD; my God, don’t stand me up. Hurry and help me!

This is Eugene Peterson’s take on Psalm 38:21–22. “Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (ESV). Peterson bluntly paraphrases King David’s words into talk one might have with a significant other. Sometimes Peterson’s candor shocks my soul and stops me from just reading a sentence of God’s holy Word and moving on to the next thing. I need a reminder like that from time to time. I need God's help.

The joy of reading the Psalms is that they echo our inner longings in words and ways we may not realize. They help us articulate our unconscious and conscious needs and desires.

If these were the only words we had in the Bible, we might wonder, “Did God answer David? Will he help him or us in our cries for mercy?” Having the entire Bible answers those questions. God did help David. God won’t leave his children or forsake them because of Christ’s work on the cross (Matthew 28:20). Jesus said we would have trouble in this life (John 16:33). Yet God has promised to bring good out it for those who love him (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we don’t need to worry like before when we lived apart from a relationship with him. That doesn’t mean all enemies disappear, poverty ceases, and sickness ends. It does mean that we can turn to God and find we are not alone, and he cares (1 Peter 5:7).

May you find God’s peace that passes understanding in these days.

Rob

So much has happened since I wrote last to you. I have had some wonderful family time: a trip to Minnesota, fishing and boating on the Mississippi, a jaunt to northern Michigan, a camping trip with the Junior Highers in church, and summer birthdays for my kids. We also bought an above ground pool, and it has been a blast.
The highlight certainly has been the baptism of my two oldest children.

Writing:

I am excited to say that I am well on the way to publishing a second book, Words of the Resurrected: Ten Encounters With the Risen Christ. I am having a small group of people editing it. The other week I submitted my official proposal to New Growth Press. A prayer request of mine is that this book glorifies God and draws people to Christ. Please pray for the editing and publishing process.
My article, 7 Tips for Bringing Your Small Group Together Online, was published on New Growth Press's website.
Last Words: Seven Sayings from the Heart of Christ on the Cross is available wherever books are sold. If you have read it and like it, a review on Amazon helps get the word out there. I am amazed at how many books exist and keep getting published. Thank you again for your support.

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