I have never connected a psalter passage with a television character before, but I did, today. Of course, as a child I watched my share of Star Trek. lol! Leonard Nimoy—Mr. Spock—used a line from the psalter in his Vulcan blessing, “Live long and prosper” (Ps. 34:12). Only recently did I realize this gesture is adapted from a Jewish priestly blessing. [note: just a little trivia for you]
The psalter readings consist of a collection of songs, poems, and prayers focused on leading God’s people into a posture of praise. We learn to praise God in the midst of every emotion and experience as we bow in prayer. The passages in the Book of Psalms are a guide that helps us bring everything to God. We may be filled with joy, sorrow, or struggling with the issues of life; but, in prayer our sovereign God will meet us there and minister grace to us.
David wrote our passage this morning and it is rich in wisdom to teach us the power of the fear of the Lord, how to use our words, and most importantly the necessity of turning from evil and living in the shalom of God. If we want the righteous life God offers, then there is a blessing connected with it. God watches his children, listens to our prayers, and desires to lead each one of us into peace. When we seek the peace of God to restore our spiritual, mental, and/or physical sense of well-being, we must also be willing to humbly review our actions and words before God because these things are connected to his shalom.
Where do you need God to meet you on your search for peace, today?
Psalm 34:12-16 NLT
12
Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
13
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
14
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
16
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for placing a desire in the hearts of your children to search for your perfect peace. That search always leads us to your heart where we can find the wisdom to live spiritually prosperous in your care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.