Lost in Translation

 

I love the Psalms, maybe it's because the psalmists were so raw and real with their emotions and feelings. They didn't hold back, especially David! They told it like it was. It was finding Psalm 13 anew that helped me start processing the emotions of caregiving. I felt lost. It seemed like God had pushed a "cancel" button on my life, and He wasn't even listening to me. When I found those thoughts and feelings mirrored in Psalm 13, it was like I found a license to hurt. It's okay to grieve; it's not a sin. 

I return to the Psalms a lot for my private devotions and use them often in my writings. This morning, I found myself in a very familiar place: Psalm 91. I'm sure you are familiar with it too! But there's this one verse that caught my eye. In the KJV, NASB, and the ESV, verse 4 says something like this: He will cover you with His pinions (what is that, anyway?) and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler (what's that?). 

I get the gist of the verse. Basically, God's got us covered. But we can so easily get lost in the verbiage, though it's very poetic, and lose the application. I still say that the Word is practical and applicable today!

When I found this verse in the NLT (1996), it made a whole lot more sense. The NLT says it this way: He will shield you with His wings, He will shelter you with His feathers, His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Now, that's something I can start to wrap my mind around!!!

How many times have we found just what we needed in scripture? We turn to them again and again! We read His promises, quote them to one another, declare them, and pray them. I'm pretty sure the last portion of this verse is something that is well-worn by caregivers. It's stood the test of time and still rings true. Now that's not lost in translation!

Today, I will be so thankful for the Word! It has provided comfort, instruction, help, direction, and wisdom for us all. I'll remind myself that His word says He surrounds us with songs of deliverance. It also reminds us that He will never leave or forsake us - and that's big stuff to the abandoned caregiver! I'm so thankful that His Word is fresh enough for today and that it will feed me today and preserve me tomorrow. I believe I can trust this faithful God with one more day. Will you join me?

 Peace Out! It's in the Bible is a 31-day devotional that is focused on letting God's peace reign in our hearts - no matter what. You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and kindle versions are available in my Amazon Shop.