Creativity is putting two items together in a novel way, producing a surprising result. This is true for cooking and for our Psalmist. Psalm 108 juxtaposes Psalm 57 (verses 8-12) with Psalm 60 (verses 7-14). These two Psalms are distinctive: Psalm 57 is a highly individualistic plea and Psalm 60 is nationalistic, with a tone of bitterness for a recent defeat. And yet, Psalm 108 brings these two components together to describe awaking early to act valiantly to fulfill a promise of God, victory over a foe. The familiar words offer resonance for confidence to meet a new challenge.

This morning study is dedicated to Arnold Shugarman