Psalm 89, 96, 100-101, 105, 132

Psalm 89 holds a special place in my heart. My senior year in college I was dealing with a deep discouragement as I got rejected from every medical school application I filed for because my MCAT score was not competitive enough for admission. During this season after graduation I put together a study plan: MCAT prep 4 hrs./day studying before and after work for 2 hrs. each. One weekday I was in the Starbucks on S. Church street and a pastor struck up conversation with me and encouraged me with Psalm 89.

Psalm 89:19-24 (NIV) "I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. The enemy will not get the better of him; the wicked will not oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. My faithful love will be with him, and through my name his strength will be exalted."

I had the silk bookmark camped out between these pages for 10 years unmoved. I read these verses aloud whenever I needed strengthening and encouragement. There is something powerful about reading the Psalms aloud - I've probably read chapter 89 more times than any other passage. There's a phrase I've heard recently in my prayer circles in reference to reading the word of God consistently, 'the washing of the word.' Romans 12:1-2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of your mind, how does one renew the mind? Through consistent, obedient, faithful, devoted seeking of the LORD's face in the secret place in His Holy Bible through the revelation of the Holy Spirit through understanding God's character through His Son Jesus. 

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