THE SHORT AND THE LONG June 6, 2020

The devotional today is cute: it is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible—Psalm 117. But it tells us something timeless—the duty of all creation to praise GOD, and to wait for His mercy and kindness. It also tells us something that has been there before we all ever were, and something that will last even beyond our lifetimes—Truth.

In the financial world, I believe “short” is a stock-market term for selling, while “long” is the term for buying. When we sell ourselves, we market ourselves to others and show them a side of us we think would be pleasing to them. Do we show people only the good, and hide the bad? Are we careful not to slip up and lose our integrity? Do we show people that we are fine, that we are prosperous and successful, that we have perfect families and relationships, and yet inside we are full of turmoil, feel lonely, abandoned, and miserable? Or are our lives an open book for all to see, even if it means they judge every choice we make without knowing the full extent of our efforts and the minutest details of our concerns?

On the other hand, what do we “buy” from the world around us? Are the information we feed our minds reliable, true and can help build our characters? Do we listen and subscribe to people who speak and write with wisdom and godly advice? Or do we burn our hours on mindless scrolling through social media, sharing something we feel is interesting clickbait when in fact it is a virus portal and something that will open us up to abuse and harassment later? Do we spend our days planning for and working steadily and diligently for our dreams and goals, or do we while away the time playing games and watching videos and images that only breed envy, apathy, sexual immorality and violence? What do we spend our hard-earned income on? Do we save enough? Do we give more? Or do we think that since life is short, we should live to the excess and let “the sky be the limit” in our enjoyment and leisure?

With all the challenges we are facing now and more, in the future, what is the shortest passage or phrase that brings us encouragement and drive? And on what do we base our longest hope?

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Psalms 117:1 O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

Psalms 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. (KJV)

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