Day 332 The Day After

 

11/28/2025

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me,

bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction,

who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, 

who satisfies your mouth with good things,

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."  

 Psalm 103:1-5

 

All has been quiet around the neighborhood today, but it has been a bit colder. My cat, Alex must be snuggling up somewhere, as I haven't seen him all day. Usually he's hanging in the screen early in the morning waiting for his breakfast, but he hasn't been home except to snatch a snack and leave again.  He's so independent, or so he wants me to believe.

My son was off visiting his friend this afternoon, so I was home alone for several hours, just like the old days when I lived in New Mexico. The phone was silent, as I imagine most folks were either taking it easy after feasting on turkey and the fixings yesterday, or they were out taking advantage of Black Friday sales. I'm not one for shopping and standing in lines or fighting over bargains, most of which are not necessities, so I prefer to miss out on bargaining for much of what I don't need. Instead I experienced a creative burst of energy and thought about possible useful handmade items for a few friends as Christmas gifts. There again it takes me awhile to get out and about, as I try to make it a habit to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and gift-giving all year around. I think it's more fun and rather enjoyable doing things that way. Ever hear the old saying to "buy me flowers while I'm living?" I'd rather spoil some people when it's not expected, or hoped for, or needed. Life seems to be getting tougher for some every day, but with the promise of better days. 

As usual, during Thanksgiving, I have been enjoying my Star Wars marathon. At this writing I am on the final episode - The Rise of Skywalker - including prequels or sequels, but I know that there are more spin-offs, but those don't interest me really. I enjoy the older and original movies. It's hard for me to believe that one of the main characters, Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia, and possibly more have passed away, but the series dates back to when my children were young, so the actors are much older. Carrie Fisher's mother is Debbie Reynolds who died the day after Carrie passed away. Carrie died on December 27, 2016 from cardiac arrest, and Debbie died on December 28, 2016 from a stroke. I remember Debbie Reynolds from old movies, especially when she played in the musicals Singin' in the Rain and Tammy and the Bachelor. I have always preferred older movies, as they seem cleaner and contain tasteful humor, or what used to be called "good clean fun." Revisiting better days when it comes to entertainment can be a blessing. But my heartfelt prayer is that they both knew Jesus and are resting with Him today and for eternal life.

Today I've been revisiting the Psalms. Actually, I have been making it a practice to read through the Psalms and Proverbs monthly again, but I've gotten a little behind, so I'm catching up. Today I'm meditating on Psalms 27, which is one of my favorites since childhood. I often wonder how much I really understood back then, but I do know that God has had His hand on me, protecting and instructing since early childhood. Jesus often instructed the disciples about the importance of allowing little children to come to Him, and He would bless them, love them, and let them feel accepted. I'm so thankful that He calls us His own.

Psalm 27 is identified as "An Exuberant Declaration of Faith," in my Bible, and it begins:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident" (verses 1-3).

"One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle. He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (verses 4-5).

"And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD" (verse 6).

The Word of God is powerful, as Hebrews 4:12-13 says: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This verse reassures us that nothing is hidden from the God - He sees and knows every thing, and as Psalm 27 says we  have no reason to be afraid. The psalm also speaks to us about being hidden in the "secret place" where we are safe from our enemies. God's words are words of life and healing, and when we learn our position in Christ as believers, we can stand firm against any attack the enemy attempts to thrown our way. Maybe that's why I love watching Star Wars, because it is the story of good versus extreme evil, and that is what we face each day. So, we must learn to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We do that by arming ourself daily with His words.

In Psalms 27:11-14 the psalmist, David says:

"Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!" 

Spending time with our Father in quietness, in our secret place or prayer room, each day helps us gain strength and perspective from Him before we have to go into the world in our daily work. Wherever we are and wherever we go, they can be challenges. We must be strong in His strength, and stand on the words that He teaches us. 

As I close out my day I do sing praises to the Lord, my God and my King! And I thank Him for all the blessings He brings to me. Wherever I go and whatever I do, He is always with me, leading and guiding me and protecting me from the evil in this present age. I remember all He has done for me and continues to do to make me His own. And as the opening Psalm 103 says He forgives our iniquities and he heals us and soon He will be coming back again for us where we will dwell with Him for eternity. Hallelujah!