Psalm 40:17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    you are my God, do not delay.

The first several verses of this Psalm are so familiar that I wanted to see what else the Lord would speak to me through it. This verse gives very good insight into David’s attitude that kept him close to God, despite his serious lapses. For at least half of his life, David was not someone the world would call poor; he was a king! Even before he reigned in Jerusalem, he had a significant group of people who considered him their leader, the “big cheese,” and in those days that automatically meant physical resources. However, he never lost sight of his dependence on God. As is often the case, the Japanese provides some fresh insight. It says, “I am one who suffers. I am one who is poor.” David was very aware that in this world we will have trouble, (John 16:33) and he also knew that God was the solution to that trouble. I don’t think he was ever particularly surprised by the trouble he encountered, but he had assurance that whatever the issue was, God could deal with it. He did occasionally get antsy about God’s timing, though! We could certainly do worse than to follow his example.

By this point in my life I don’t think I’m surprised by trouble either, but I am definitely an optimist. After all, I know without doubt that in the final analysis, we win! There have been things that I didn’t look forward to, like my retirement, but I knew that God could handle it even if I couldn’t. I know that my tenure in this world isn’t forever, nor would I want it to be, but I know that what follows is far better. My biggest issues at this point are the countless distractions this world offers. I know that God has prepared work for me to do, (Ephesians 2:10) and I don’t want to miss any of it. However, I know the Holy Spirit is a reliable guide, so I’ve got to keep listening to Him. Today I’ll be giving a 15 minute testimony about my mentoring in this church, as part of an online Coaching seminar, and frankly, I’m not sure what I will say, because the mentoring I’ve done hasn’t been particularly organized. However, I know that mentoring has happened, and I can trust the Holy Spirit to give me the words to bless those who will be hearing me. Tomorrow I’ll be going to help a younger missionary in a neighboring town with the electrical wiring in the house they’ve bought and are remodeling before moving in. That won’t be a formal mentoring setup by any means, but if past times are any indication, the Lord will be speaking through me to him off and on through the day. I have learned the hard way that I am indeed foolish and powerless on my own, but God can and does use me in spite of myself, and I am deeply grateful.

Father, thank You for enabling me to be an optimist! Thank You for all You’ve brought me through to this point, and for the peace and assurance You’ve given me that I’ll make it through to the end. May I indeed be an example and a mentor to those around me, so that together we may fulfill Your purposes on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!