Psalms 12, 46, & 88

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Many things can bring about disorientation in our lives. Just a few examples (try making your own list):The darkness (sinfulness) of the world (12, 14)Betrayal (41, 55)Natural disasters (46)Deep loneliness (25, 88)War, destruction, exile (74, 137)There are psalms of disorientation, orientation, and new orientation (Brueggemann). For examples, see this short list.We should acknowledge these feelings, not deny or minimize them. We should pray through them, not pray as though everything is fine.In the darkness, light God is light, and his light penetrates the darkness of the world (Psalm 27, 105... John 1; 1 John 1).God will open the eyes of our heart so that we may see, even though we live in a dark world (Eph 1:18; John 3:19; Eph 6:12).And yet the light does more than merely light our path, for eternal light has dawned. In the Psalms are multiple intimations of heaven:Psalm 16:11Psalm 17:15 (see Job 19:25-27).Psalm 49:15Psalm 73:24.Thought questionsFor me, is the world a dark place? Or am I charmed by the world, enticed by its values?If the earth gave way under my feet, am I confident that I would have God to hold on to?Am I allowing his light to illuminate my life?Do I realize that he offers light through every book in Scripture?Do I appreciate the value of honesty about my own fears, doubts, and pain -- how this lends an air of genuineness and hope to my outreach, fellowship, and counseling?Does the darkness of this world cause me to yearn for God’s new world? And do I realize that the new creation has already begun (2 Corinthians 5:17)?Prayer pointsShine your light into the dark places of my life.Help me to be more honest and open about my own fears and disorientation.Sensitize me to every intimation of the next world in the scriptures.Further study Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms: Engaging Scripture and the Life of the Spirit (Cascade, 2007).Reading, Praying, and Living the Psalms (IPI, 2005)What Happens After We Die? (IPI, 2013)What About Heaven and Hell? (Harvest House, 2013)The Last Things series at this website.