Folds of fabric envelop the creases of his cautious smile. He wears day-old stubble with a well-loved hat and weary eyes. What is he thinking? What have those eyes seen? Our modern world is smaller than it has ever been. We are exploring Mars and the depths of the ocean. And yet, like this gentle Madagascan man, about 200 million people carry on their lives without access to the promises and profound truths handed down to us in Scripture. Personally, my life wouldn’t be the same without the poetry of King David and his many attempts of putting words to the great joy he experienced in knowing God. Here is a good one: “How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.” (Ps 36:5-9 NLT)

What Scripture couldn’t you live without?

Photo: Steve Evans
Words: Elyse Patten