The Banzai Chronicles

My soul faints with longing for Your salvation,
   but I have put my hope in Your word.
My eyes fail, looking for Your promise;
   I say, "When will You comfort me?"
Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
   I do not forget Your decrees.
How long must Your servant wait?
   When will You punish my persecutors?
The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
   contrary to Your law.
All Your commands are trustworthy;
   help me, for men persecute me without cause.
They almost wiped me from the earth,
   but I have not forsaken Your precepts.
Preserve my life according to Your love,
   and I will obey the statutes of Your mouth.

—Psalm 119:81-88

After a bon voyage dinner with taci and a nap, decided that I would read Scripture aloud. Living alone has benefits, one being that no one will think me crazy when I read aloud for a while. Somehow parts sank deeper into me, so I think I may continue in this way in the future.

The Psalmist captures the feeling of my soul today. Thankful that God stirs my soul to Himself; my thrashing about often draws me into the arms of a less-wild lover instead. Being able to seek His comfort is a comfort; longing for His salvation is hope.

Wonder if our nation mirrors those who sent to resettle Samaria after Israel was exiled. I was convicted when I read:

Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

—2 Kings 17:41