Sometimes the picture is so clear.
I have been doing my daily readings this year from the American Literary Version as produced by Bibliotheca (bibliotheca.co). This version and its styling are designed to “invite the reader to a pure, literary experience” of the Bible. This edition is free from all chapter and verse divisions and has no section headers, cross-references, or other distractions. The font has been hand-crafted especially for this edition and the paper is made from limestone chalk rather than wood pulp… You get the picture - a bespoke rendering of the Holy Scriptures. I purchased the paper back edition (five volumes, including the Apocrypha) which was less expensive than the hardback edition. I wish now I had paid the extra money and gotten the hardbacks.
Without chapter and verse delineations, rather than reading a prescribed section of text I am reading for a set amount of time instead. I am still in the process of mentally shifting from what might be called a “sectional” reading to a more “continual” reading. One problem I’ve encountered in making this transition is keeping track of the phrases that strike me as important for deeper reflection and prayer. I am reading more volume at a time and so may come across several items of interest for further consideration. However, I have tended to not stop at the first prompting, but keep reading and then choose something for reflection nearer the end of my reading time. This may change; the year is young.
All the aside, a few weeks ago I came across two sections of text that, for me, form a clear picture of how I’ve been feeling about our country for the last several years.
“O my people, they who lead you cause you to err, and confuse the way of your paths.”
“You have heard the desire of the weak, O YHWH, / you will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear, / to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, / that man who is of the earth may cause dread no more. ”
We have put too much trust in the leadership of men. We have become confused, following societal leaders as if they hold the consolation we seek. As believers in other times have done, in the weakness of our perplexity, we must seek after the Living God for our consolation though the society around us goes after worthless idols and false gods. God will hear. He has secured the heavenly future of those who trust in him. And the dread we may have of those who hold power on the earth will be abated.