“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word.” -Psalm 119:147

The psalmist gets up before the rest of the house to commune with the Lord. It is here in the blue hour, without the coming day’s distractions, that we think most clearly with a heightened hunger for spiritual food. C.S. Lewis referred to this time as the “cream of the day”. Even before physical bread, it is good to have daily bread from God, nourishing our spirit. The psalmist likely did not sleep well either, as this octave indicates his distress. It is better to get up and seek an audience with the Lord than toss and turn in elusive sleep.

The writer is desperate, crying out for His Father’s help. Does God hear him? The best posture for a believer to be in is a state of neediness. What do you and I have to offer Him but our sin and need? It is here we are humbled, and dependent. Self-reliance and self-righteousness are a charade of smoke and mirrors. The only Hope we have and cling to are the promises of God. Jesus became the Living Hope for all who will trust in His saving grace. He continues to intercede for God’s people, as we are being made fit for Heaven. What great encouragement to the sons and daughters of God. We can cry out to Him because He sees our lives, He hears our prayers, and He loves you. Here is where saints rest. Christ the Living Word is our Help and Hope, in life and in death. 

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: Psalm 63; John 17:6-26; Hebrews 7:24-28

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” -C.S. Lewis