Psalm 71:1-6

Pentecost +13

Psalm 71:1-6

Peterson's The Message translation of verse 1:
"I run for dear life to God, I'll never live to regret it."

This is probably, literally, a running in fear. But put the emphasis differently and "dear life" takes on a quality of life we claim as desireable.

What are you running for?

For dear life, away from something fearful to you, and by default your running takes you toward G*D?

For "dear life" which is sufficient in itself and is always found in G*D (you don't have to go anywhere or even toward something).

It is in this second reading in which we find our regrets fade away. If we have acted for "dear life" in the occasions we find ourself, we have life in such abundance that no regret will steal some of it back.

Yes, the Psalm goes on to put the onus of our salvation on G*D (and, of course, the blame if we don't sense it). The Psalm goes on to praise, praise, praise.

Hear again the first verse, "I run for dear life within G*D, I'll never live to regret it."

There are many paths to "dear life." May your "dear life" bring you joy.