Psalm 71 - Perception

I haven't posted in a couple of days because frankly I have been pretty much in a fog. It is really hard to put into words because I often fear that if I am real and I express emotions such as loneliness, sadness, uselessness, people will see me as having weak faith or even worse...try to diagnose me.

They say, "perception is everything."

If I have to choose between
being perceived as strong or weak,
I choose strong.

If I have to choose between
being perceived as confident or insecure,
I choose confident.

If I have to choose between
being perceived as faith-filled or faithless,
I choose faith-filled.

But then I think, does perception make it so!

The reality is that I have been having to come to grips with the fact that life roles as I have known them are changing. Honestly, now that my children are "on their own" and making their own life decisions, I am seeking what it is that I can pour my life into that makes a difference in the grand scheme of things!

The psalmist reflected on his life's purpose in Chapter 71:

⁵ For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.

⁶ From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you.

⁸ My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

⁹ Do not cast me away when I am old;
do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

¹² Be not far from me, O God;
come quickly, O my God, to help me.

¹⁴ But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

¹⁵ My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.

¹⁶ I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

¹⁷ Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

So the reality is this:

I am sometimes weak, insecure, scared and lonely but I know that my God has never forsaken me. I have a mission each and every day of my life and that is to continue to share the marvelous deeds and the blessings that God has afforded me.

¹⁴ But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

Yes! Even when I'm old and gray!!