While I was pregnant with Allison, I often read this poem from the Book of Psalms. It was a difficult pregnancy physically. I was off my feet most of the last three months and needed "abundant" strength and support. I was so often unable to do the things I felt needed to be done. I could only rest and wait.
After Allison's death, the words took on new meaning. My heart was broken and in need of binding up. I longed for understanding beyond my temporal existence. As I began to find some healing for my sorrowing heart, I found the "bars of my gates" being strengthened. I knew my daughter had been blessed within me. Peace began to grow in my borders. I love the closing image of God satisfying me with the "finest of wheat." I spent lots of time thinking about what those words meant for me.
Psalm 147
Praise the LORD!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.
The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
And binds up their wounds.
He counts the number of the stars;
He gives names to all of them.
He gives names to all of them.
Great is our Lord and abundant in strength;
His understanding is infinite.
His understanding is infinite.
The LORD supports the afflicted;
He brings down the wicked to the ground.
He brings down the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
Sing praises to our God on the lyre,
Sing praises to our God on the lyre,
Who covers the heavens with clouds,
Who provides rain for the earth,
Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
Who provides rain for the earth,
Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.
He gives to the beast its food,
And to the young ravens which cry.
And to the young ravens which cry.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man.
The LORD favors those who fear Him,
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.
Those who wait for His lovingkindness.
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
He has blessed your sons within you.
He has blessed your sons within you.
He makes peace in your borders;
He satisfies you with the finest of the wheat.
He satisfies you with the finest of the wheat.
It's beautiful, Doraine. I think I can see that it seems to speak directly to your need. Thank you for sharing.
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