You can’t do that; You are too old.
You aren’t smart enough; You never finished college.
You can’t say that; You don’t have the gumption.
You are too old; You have missed your opportunity to make a difference.
I did it. I am. I did. I am not.
The voices in my head told me all those things. I may have heard a few from the negative Neds and Nellies as well.
Still … I persevered.
Whenever I hear the negative voices, I go to the Psalms to read. Did you know the words in the Psalms are like therapy? As I read them, it’s like God sitting beside me saying, “I told you so. Believe me.”
I’m not sure who the author of Psalm 71 was, but they must have been of a vintage age. They wrote like an old soul, one who was tired and weary yet full of wisdom and praise to God who restored their joy.
My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. Psalm 71:7
Writing is my therapy. I never thought what I would have to say would ever matter to anyone else but me.
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. v. 15
This is the fourth column I’ve written this week. Two of them I deleted because they didn’t feel right. I thought a third one was a keeper, but when our internet service went down, so did my column – lost into the internet abyss. I had to start over.
It’s Friday morning as I am writing. My column has a noon deadline. I’m reading Psalm 71 for my devotions. When I finish, I sit down to write, and the words pour from my fingers. When words pour, I know it’s what I need to be writing.
Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. v. 18
Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard
Psalms 71 was one of my mother’s favorite Psalms. It was read during the celebration of her life five years ago. Mom said the scriptures spoke to her heart. I believe they do the same for mine.
I watched my mother sit at her kitchen table and read her Bible every morning. I saw her bow her head and begin her day with prayer. She had no idea she was delivering the best sermon to her daughter. She taught me how spending time with God each morning prepares you for the day.
There is strength in knowing God’s word. His word gives strength for the battles I will fight that day. Scriptures are a hug to my weary heart. I know the power of reading the Psalms and saying out loud when I feel discouraged, “Not today, satan!”
It often seems like everyone around us is living a perfect life of sunshine and lollipops, but the truth is, we’re all fighting battles. We receive news we never expected. We’re pushed into a sea of despair. We’re wrapped in fear and loneliness. We feel abandoned, and we suffer in silence. Hurtful words echo in our minds. We feel exhausted trying to cover up our hurt.
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. v. 20
Our stories can be messy and even ugly. Our pain can reach the depths of our hearts. However, reading scripture and hearing the stories of others can give us hope.
Our words matter. Our stories matter. The negative voices tell us they don’t. The negative voices discourage.
Sometimes the most challenging thing we need to do is to ignore the negative voices.
I continue to remind myself, I did it. I am. I did. I am not.
My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection. v. 7
I will continue to read the Psalms … and to write.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.