While in seminary, prior to teaching his course in the Old Testament, Dr. John Oswalt would read a psalm from Joseph Bayly’s Psalms of My Life. Since I heard “A Psalm While Packing Books,” I have thought about the nugget of truth it contains many times. As one who has moved and packed many books, I understand the physical reality of this. As a pastor who engages in the depths of pastoral ministry with people, and as one who increasingly knows my own heart, I also understand the spiritual reality of this.

I have prayed this prayer or one similar to it many times, and I am sure I will many more times. Thankfully, God does not tire of my humble request. It reveals my absolute and utter dependency on Him, which is my cry of faith. And God delights to act on behalf of those who wait upon Him in faith (Isa. 64:4).

A Psalm While Packing Books

This cardboard box Lord see it says Bursting limit 200 lbs. per square inch. The box maker knew how much strain the box would take what weight would crush it. You are wiser than the box maker Maker of my spirit my mind my body. Does the box know when pressure increases close to the limit? No it knows nothing. But I know when my breaking point is near. And so I pray Maker of my soul Determiner of the pressure within upon me Stop it Lest I be broken or else change the pressure rating of this fragile container of Your grace so that I may bear more.

Joseph Bayly, Psalms of My Life (Elgin, Illinois: LifeJourney Books, 1987).