The practice of crafting the skins of animals (goats, sheep, ox and camel), into containers for wine for the ancients in the middle east is an established historical fact. The skins were tanned, the hair cut close and washed thoroughly, turned inside out, all the openings except one are closed with cords of gut, and then it is ready for use.

They were called "wineskins."

Surprised?

Because it affected the flavor of the wine, and to add a quality of durability to the skin itself, these hides were cured by hanging them over a low-burning, smoking fire for several days. This is what the psalmist pictures in his remark above.

Wineskins are, of course, no longer used to hold wine. Today we have rather fashionable glass, or even ceramic bottles. In time, after being filled and refilled, wineskins became tired, unserviceable and no longer useful to hold wine. When this happened, there was nothing left to do but let them dry out, and burn them.

I think this might be what the psalmist was trying to express. He was tired and used up; no longer of service to God or man. At least this is how he felt. He was among the glowing cinders, and could smell the smoke of his own denouement.

What then? What happens when we can no longer put one foot in front of another and fall on it? What happens when we can no longer psycho-dynamically move? What happens when our spiritual life is caked in mud, locked in place where no movement, no life seems evident? What happens when we become inert?

One of two, or perhaps three things happen. 1. We die. It is truly the end. Our heart stops, our brain becomes inert and death ensues. 2. We rest. Until things change. We wait it out. If we die before things change, then, c'est la vie. Such is life. So be it. Here, we wait on things external to ourselves to come to our rescue. This happens sometimes, but not often. Or, 3. We reach out to God. When we do this, he always reaches back.

This happens anywhere and to any person on the planet. In the integrity of one's soul, one reaches out to God; God always reaches back. God can measure their intent. God knows their motive. It is in the raw nature of God to reach back when someone reaches for him. In fact, when we do, we discover that he had us firmly in his grip all the time. When we do this, we become vigorously energized, revived, and enabled to continue in his love. And the minimum wage we can expect is peace.

We get up. We get up and become aware. We become movers and shakers, empowered to achieve the purpose and rationale of our existence. We get up out of the coals and suddenly discover that there is still a gallon or two left in the old wineskin.

-- PDM

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