Please turn to Song #116

When you first meet someone, you are looking for common ground. That's why I have to work to avoid the question "What do you do?" What do you mean, what do I do? I do the same things you do- get up, go to work, hang with the guys, check the weather, bring home the bacon, pull for the team, help clear the dishes, give the kids a bath, try to keep my nose clean, keep it between the ditches, keep the ax to the grindstone, kiss my sweetie goodnight, try not to think of all the things undone when I finally lay my head on the pillow. Oh, you mean what's my job? If I'm pressed for time I usually answer "I do taxes." This is kind of a dangerous answer because 98% of the time that stops the conversation like a brick wall but the other 2% can lead to lengthy discussions on home office deductions and the like. (Side note: In my opinion, if you are legally entitled to a deduction you should take it. No charge for that one, but you should consult your own tax advisor.)

This morning I found a lot that I had in common with a man I've never met. And I don't know what his job is. Or was, I should say. He's been dead for a while now. But something he wrote has become one of the most famous pieces of literature in history. Hopefully someday we'll have even more in common than we do now. Not sure if it was a song or a poem, but it's included in the book of Psalms right before the shortest chapter in the Bible.

Psalm 116 is an expression of heartfelt gratitude that is as relevant and encouraging today as it was several thousand years ago. Our friend recorded the difficulties of his soul, something everyone can relate to. I wish everyone could also relate to the answers he found: that God is gracious and righteous and full of compassion.

When we call out, "O Lord, save me!" we open our situation to the same loving power that caused this guy to declare "When I was in great need, He saved me."

Wait, it gets even better. Not just help for the immediate need, but guaranteed success in the future. Too good to be true? In verse 8, my guy says not only has his soul been delivered from death (and his eyes from tears) but his feet have been delivered from stumbling. Where do I sign? My feet delivered from stumbling? I'll take it! Help for today and hope for tomorrow.

"Be at rest once more, O my soul." Why could he say that? Because God was good to him. Now that's something that I want to have in common.