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

D3LM3

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

D3LM3

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

D3LM3

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

D3LM3

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

D3LM3

The world is full of peril, but

"The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places, but still there is much that is fair; and though in all lands Love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater." - J. R. R. Tolkien

These words from the famous author, Tolkien, remind us of his deep faith in Jesus, and also remind us that God's love is Greater than any evil in the world. It is hard to filter through all the nonsense that we see on a daily basis, but let us hold onto the grace of God.

Psalm 63:2-4

So, I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Nehemiah 13:2 - Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

I am bending my knee

Many of us would admit to struggling in our prayer lives, at least from time to time. What amazes me is that there is an ocean of beautiful prayers already written and printed, which can assist us. These prayers could offer a spark to our own dry prayers and perhaps kindle a fire in our spiritual lives. 

For today, I offer you the words of an ancient Gaelic prayer, which was transcribed by Alexander Carmichael (1832-1912) who travelled through Scotland collecting prayers, poems and sayings from the Celtic people. 

I am bending my knee
In the eye of the Father who created me,

In the eye of the Son who purchased me,
In the eye of the Spirit who cleansed me,
In friendship and affection.
Through Thine own Anointed One, O God,
Bestow upon us fullness in our need,
Love towards God,
The affection of God,
The smile of God,
The wisdom of God,
The grace of God,
The fear of God,
And the will of God
To do on the world of the Three,
As angels and saints
Do in heaven;
Each shade and light,
Each day and night,
Each time in kindness,
Give Thou us Thy Spirit.

Living in Grace

D3LM3