We continue our survey of some of the verses -- all only one verse -- in the Psalms that I have personally found especially meaningful, and therefore colored purple. I use for this the New King James Version.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity. (133:1)

This psalm of only three verses is really about brotherly love, for if we love one another we will be of one heart and one soul, irrespective of inevitable differences. It is unity in diversity, which is the only unity there is. The other two verses in the psalm recognize that unity is costly -- it is like precious oil. The love that unites often calls for time, effort, and money. It also calls for forbearance, which means we put up with difficult situations and difficult people, and that “It doesn’t have to be my way.”

Whatever the Lord pleases He does,

In heaven and in earth,

In the seas and in all deep places. (135:6)

We cannot be reminded of the sovereignty of God too often. His grace may appear irrational to us, and his mercy extravagant. Paul well asks, “Who can know the mind of the Lord?” He will do what he pleases, even when that appears incomprehensible to us. Perhaps this identifies faithfulness to God -- when we are pleased with what pleases him.

As for me, I will see your face in righteousness;

I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness. (17:35)

To the Hebrews the morning was a time to set things right with God, and this writer may be anticipating seeing God’s face -- or sensing his presence -- the next morning. But it may also be a subtle reference to fellowship with God beyond death. If so, it is among the few references in the Old Testament to hope of eternal life. Others are Daniel 12:2 and Isaiah 26:19. It is biblical to conclude that God’s purpose with man is to conform him into his own image. This is the Christian hope, that in the end we will be like Christ even in bodily form, as in 1 Corinthians 15:49 and Philippians 3:21.

Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble;

You will prepare their heart;

You will cause Your ear to hear. (10:17)

Humility of heart and sincerity of mind are absolutes in being acceptable to God, just as the proud and haughty are rejected. Psalm 51:17 says it well: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and contrite heart -- These, O God, You will not despise.” Is not the above verse saying that God is at work in a humble heart, and he will hear the prayers of the humble.

I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (34:1)

To praise the Lord “at all times” means in all circumstances of life, good and bad times alike. To “continually” praise him means that it is habitual. We praise God by not only using the word praise, but by honoring and thanking him, and by referencing his mighty works to others and to God himself in our prayers. It is like praising one’s wife. I don’t say “Praise Ouida!,” but I tell her of my love and appreciation, and refer to all the good things she does for me and others. God’s praise is continually in our mouths as we recount what he has done for the human race through the ages, and as we refer to his love, mercy, goodness, forbearance. When you tell others what God has done in your life you are praising God.

He also prepares for Himself instruments of death;

He makes His arrows into fiery shafts. (7:13)

As we have seen, the color purple also touches passages that point to God’s judgment against evil doers. We know from Scripture that God sometimes uses war and the elements of nature to express his wrath. His mercy sometimes gives way to judgment, and judgment sometimes gives way to mercy. This is why we are to fear -- or reverence -- God. The same God who turns swords into plowshares turns plowshares into swords, and the Bible has it both ways, as in Isaiah 2:4 and Joel 3:10.

Do not cast me off in the time of old age;

Do not forsake me when my strength fails. (71:9)

The psalmist is not saying he thinks God might forsake him in old age. It is rather his way of acknowledging his special need of help now that he f aces the problems of aging. While simple trusting faith should deepen in our advancing years, old age nevertheless brings crises that challenge our resolve to be strong. Shakespeare’s “Once a man, twice a child” is often the case with the aged. Our task in old age is to be childlike, not childish. In my present family crisis I have repeatedly turned to this prayer. But is “going on 89” old enough to say this prayer?!

Notes

After a month in the hospital, plans this week were to transfer Ouida to a long-term care facility for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. This was postponed due to unexpected fluid buildup both around and inside her lungs, and this has exacerbated her kidney problem. They will probably today use a needle puncture procedure to remove the fluid around the lungs, which has hindered breathing, and they may decide to activate the heart to a faster beat in hopes that it will expel the fluid in the lungs. This will necessitate her going to ICU since she will need continual monitoring.

Our daughter Phoebe is back in ICU at another hospital, and on a ventilator. A doctor told her husband she may not come out of it this time, but a nurse, who overheard the doctor, told him that they brought her through once before, so why not again. I tell her that she can pray in her heart even with a tube down her throat.

I will be addressing the Pecan Grove Church of Christ, 1306 Jack Finney Blvd., Greenville, Texas, March 18 at 10:30 a.m.

All these essays are available at leroygarrett.org Click on “Soldier On.” New names are added to our mailing list upon request.