Today’s psalm, which seems almost ‘over the top’ in terms of its effusive praise of God and trust in His care, should come as something of a challenge to each of us, a challenge to ponder whether we, you and I, can claim the same.  Do we trust in His care as did our psalmist?  And, do we offer Him our praises as he did?  My fear, and hunch, is that far too often we let other, lesser things, get in the way.  Maybe then, this Advent season is good time to consider what we might do differently.

Probably most of us have found ourselves in ‘desperate straits’ at some point or another, and so today’s psalm, Psalm 18, is sure to strike a responsive chord.  Its author, the future King David, was harassed on every side by a vengeful and calculating King Saul.  Literally, David had no place to hide and no place to go where he could not potentially be found, and put to death.  Seldom is it that serious for us, but even so, we probably have had those times when we felt ‘hemmed in’ and helpless, and so, today’s words should be helpful to us.

One of the things that I am always eternally grateful for is the reality that no matter what our circumstances, whether personal or somewhere beyond that, and no matter how dark or dismal those circumstances may seem, there is always hope.  There is hope because God isn’t finished His work, no, not yet.  He is still here and concerned and at work.  Indeed, He is working everything out to a wise, helpful, healthy and glorious conclusion.  We don’t see it yet, but it is coming.  And so, we can have hope.

Today’s parable, that of the Renters in the Vineyard, raises a huge question, namely that of accountability.  It is one that is very much on the minds of voters and legislators in terms of the public sphere, but should be one that we think of in terms of our duties and responsibilities towards God.  Are we, you and I, being responsible, and accountable, when it comes to doing as God requires and providing the fruits, the results, that He expects?  It is a good question for all of us.