Back on Target...

This weekend was filled with a visit from Boo and Grano (my folks), lots of studying for James, and some sickness for all 3 of us!  I did keep up my Lenten commitment, but I just didn't feel up to blogging about it.  After 2 visits to the doctor today (for me and Robert), I am ready to get back on track.  This week's lectionary readings contain one of my favorite passages of scripture:  Psalm 27.  The last part of this psalm speaks of waiting on the Lord.  Wait on the Lord and be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart.  That verse has been a mantra for me as we have begun answering James' call to ministry.  I feel like we have been doing a lot of waiting for unknowns, waiting for the Lord to show us the way..... and along that journey of waiting and listening, He has strengthened our hearts in so many, many ways.

Psalm 27:

The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

I am still confident of this:
I will 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.