Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Today’s Scripture Reading  | Psalm 19

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
   and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
   and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
   their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
   and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
   and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
   and its circuit to the end of them;
   and nothing is hid from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
   reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
   making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
   rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
   enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
   enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
   and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
   even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
   and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;
   in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
   Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
   do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
   and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
   be acceptable to you,
   O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (NRSV)

Reflection
When I was young I believed that I could really fly. I had a great desire and yearning to fly as much as possible, but only when I knew no one was watching and that I would not be seen at all. There was a particular ritual to taking flight: I had to sneak into our very large backyard, leap on top of the garage roof, and then just extend my arms and soar into the sky. It sounds so incredible now, but I can still feel the exhilaration of leaving the rooftop, then flying high above the trees, the houses, and the whole neighborhood. It was such a peaceful experience and so amazing. I would fly far up into the sky doing gentle curves and taking in the view.

Today I’m not really sure if it was real or not, but I do know the desire and yearning was real. It is the same yearning the psalmist had when writing “The heavens are telling the glory of God.” Looking at the sky at anytime—a beautiful sunrise, billowing clouds, a stunning sunset, the stars at night—is to be lost in wonder. Deep within that wonder is a desire to be part of it, one with it. It is the same desire to be one with God. We are all from the heavens; we are all from God, and we will all return to God and be part of those heavens. We will all learn to fly into the arms of God.

Prayer
God of all desire and longing, may each day of my life bring me closer to you. Help me fly into your eternal presence, where I shall know only you, only love. Amen.

Written by John W. W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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