Psalm 73, Shadow, and a Walk

Psalm 73
1 God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. 2 But I had nearly lost confidence; my faith was almost gone 3 because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked. 4 They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy. 5 They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have. 6 And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe; 7 their hearts pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes. 8 They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others. 9 They speak evil of God in heaven and give arrogant orders to everyone on earth, 10 so that even God's people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say.

11 They say, "God will not know; the Most High will not find out." 12 That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more. 13 Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin? 14 O God, you have made me suffer all day long; every morning you have punished me.

15 If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of your people. 16 I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me 17 until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked. 18 You will put them in slippery places and make them fall to destruction! 19 They are instantly destroyed; they go down to a horrible end. 20 They are like a dream that goes away in the morning; when you rouse yourself, O Lord, they disappear.

21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need. 27 Those who abandon you will certainly perish; you will destroy those who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, how wonderful to be near God, to find protection with the Sovereign Lord and to proclaim all that he has done!



Five days ago we lost a dear, black, short-haired cat with golden eyes who had adopted us as his caretakers. When first we saw him, on his collar we found the name “Shadow”. Shadow showed up at our house starving. My mom would feed him outside everyday. His owners basically disowned him, and even took his collar off. So sad. He ate and lived outside our house for years and kind of became our outside cat.

As it turns out his true owners had gotten a new, bigger cat. They didn’t keep up with Shadow (who lived outside their house, at the time, with the new cat), nor did they take care of him or make sure that he was getting enough to eat with the new cat around. That’s why he showed up at our place starving. Pet owners who neglect their animals really burn me up!!!

This past winter, we took Shadow inside because he was sick with asthma. But we found out later that he also had a growth inside his lungs. He passed away supposedly from the tumor rupturing. We miss him horribly. It hurts when we think about him or don’t see him outside where he would normally be. He would always come to greet us whenever we came home or whenever we went outside. Shadow was such a good, sweet cat, and now he is with the Lord.



Tonight, I was walking outside to take a break and to get some exercise, when I saw again, as I often do, the constellation of the lion directly overhead with its lovely stars, seaming to walk along with me wherever I tread. As I walked and thought about the events in my life and the challenges I face, I am reminded that The Lion is ever with me wherever I go and in whatever I do. He is with me even during the times when it feels like He isn’t there at all. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Praise be unto The Living God!