The Ancient Troubadour

The term 'Troubadour' became well known in the early Middle Ages and usually referred to someone who wrote and performed songs. I suppose, in modern times, we would use the terms 'musician' or 'composers' to speak about the same thing. 

One of my lasting memories of walking the Camino de Compostela (in 2023) was the evening we watched the Troubadours perform, in the Cathedral square in Santiago. It was mesmerizing and unforgettable. Even though we didn't understand the Spanish lyrics, we felt the emotion of the music. 

So, why am I speaking about this today? Well, the Psalmists were also Troubadours in many ways, although from ancient times. David, Aspah, Ethan, Moses, all wrote and created Psalms that still move us today. Sadly, we have lost much of the music that goes with the words, but the words are still deeply moving. 

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep." - Psalm 121

Living in Grace

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God can do it again!

Sometimes when our backs are against the wall, we wonder if God will answer our prayers, or even if He wants to help us in our times of trial. The wonderful promises of Scripture teach us that "God can do it again!" These are the words of Don Moen:

“God can do it again
And again and again
He’s the same God today
As He always has been
Yesterday and forever
He’s always the same
There’s no reason to doubt
God can do it again

Time after time
I hear you people say to me
Why don’t we see miracles
Like there used to be
I still believe in miracles
God hears us when we pray
‘Cause God was God back yesterday
And God is God today.” – Don Moen

Psalm 22:3-5 - Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 Our ancestors trusted in you,
and you rescued them.
5 They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

Living in Grace

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Songs of Lament

I am grateful that the words in the Psalms are wonderfully honest and authentic. 

1 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
How long will you look the other way?
2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” – Psalm 13

It is not hard to note the tone of sadness and sorrow in the heart of David. Anguish, sorrow, struggle, feeling abandoned. David has such a close connection with the Lord, that he can express what is happening in his heart of hearts.

I feel that we must make a distinction between a “Pity party” and Lamenting. A pity party is when you want others to feel sympathy for you or to sometimes pander to your wants; whereas a lament is meant to be an honest dialogue between ourselves and God. 

As we enter into a week where we remember the lives of millions killed in war and battle, may we have the freedom to lament before the Lord.

Living in Grace

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The Stone that was rejected

"For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ - Acts 4:11

This picture of Jesus is profound in every sense of its meaning. He was rejected by religious people, by governors, by politicians, by different groups and classes of people - Jesus didn't fit their mold. He was labelled as a drunkard, as a nobody because he was born in an obscure village, as uneducated, as a friend of sinners. 

The crowds were looking for a particular stone to lay as the cornerstone of their lives and so they rejected Jesus. Ironically, He was the foundation they needed and even though he was initially rejected, His father made him the chief cornerstone.

Thought: Is Jesus our Cornerstone or just someone who call on in case of emergencies? 

Living in Grace

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Prayer for the elections

The following prayer is attributed to Rev. Andrew Murray - it is a fitting prayer for this week as we move towards our local government elections. 

"Lord, teach us to pray.

Open our eyes to see the needs of our land and people.

Break down all trust in self and make us the intelligent channels through which your divine purpose and healing can flow down to our nation.

Revive your work in the midst of the years and let your glory cover South Africa. Amen." 

Psalm 118:8-9 - "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men. It is better to take refuge in him than in the mightiest king!"

Living in Grace

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Songs for all seasons

As we spend time in the Psalms, we must remember that they were the songbook of Jesus, and they speak to us of the mystery and depth of God. In the words of John Calvin, "the Psalms are songs for all seasons - for there is not an emotion of anyone can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror."

In other words, the collection of Psalms allows us to take a long look at ourselves, and be reminded that God is way more faithful, kind, merciful, secure, compassionate, stronger than we could ever be. The Psalms teach us to look beyond what we feel is the best, to someone who is far greater than our wildest imaginations. 

In every season of our lives, we know that we can trust in God. 

Psalm 118:8-9

It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

Living in Grace

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Enduring forever

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 118:1

In an age where nothing seems to last forever, it is truly wonderful to proclaim that God's love endures forever. This love, is genuine covenant-love, revealed to us in Jesus Christ. 

Seasons will come and go; music and clothes will be in fashion, and then out of fashion; our feelings grow hot and cold; our bodies age and we slowly become forgetful. However, the love that God has for us will remain the same.... always.

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Living in Grace

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