'Sea of Troubles'

I love the Sea and so you can understand my frustration at being only a few kilometers away from the ocean and yet not being able to get there, or even smell it at this time. Lockdown has forced all of us into new spaces and needing to make sacrifices, although missing the ocean is really not a major crisis compared to the genuine needs of the majority of us.

It was Shakespeare who wrote of a 'sea of troubles' (in Hamlet) and this is pertinent for everyone at this time. One trouble ripples into the next one until we can feel overwhelmed by the vast ocean of trials. However, it is into this sea of trouble that we must remember some of the core promises that come to us in the Scriptures. Where there is a great need, there is always a great God who is willing to step into the void created by our troubles.

Turning to our focal reading for this week we note the following sentiment:

"O Israel, hope in the Lord; for he is loving and kind and comes to us with armloads of salvation. He himself shall ransom Israel from her slavery to sin." - Psalm 130:7-8 (Living Bible)

This picture tells us that where we are (and are found in our sea of troubles), so God is also present. Michael Wilcock writes:  

"With Yahweh are three constant companions, Forgiveness, Covenant Love, and Redemption. Wherever he is, there they too will be found. And the psalmist also is not alone: with him come the rest of his people, for they too may be redeemed..."

When you get a moment read Psalm 130 again and place yourself as the one who writes the Psalm. It is a wonderful way of speaking to God in prayer and remembering God's promise to come to our aid.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Waiting

 

Lent is a time of waiting. A time of expectancy. A period of longing and refining.
If you have given something up for this time period, then perhaps you are longing for Easter to arrive? If you are locked away at the moment, then you are probably longing to get outdoors or to see your friends again.

Waiting does something inside us. It can make us agitated, but it can also transform us. It is a deeply spiritual practise and a gift we should not turn away from.

So, what does waiting do for you?

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope. 
   I wait for the Lord,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,    more than watchmen wait for the morning." - Psalm 130:5-6

The Psalmist teaches us that waiting is always better when we can put our Hope in the Lord. I guess waiting is easier when we know that Jesus always shows up.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Who could Stand?

 

<sup>As many of us have already noticed there are a myriad of opinions on Covid-19 at the moment and some Christians have added their weight behind God punishing the world for her sins. I will not make any comments on this, except to point out what the lectionary Psalm for this week says:

"</sup>If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,    so that we can, with reverence, serve you." - Psalm 130:3-4

I see this as a clear reminder that if God was in the business of recording my sins, then I would be first in line to receive eternal punishment. And dare I say, you could be standing in the same line with me. Not one of us would stand as being innocent.

However, the Psalmist is quick to point out that with God there is FORGIVENESS and this is the best gift of all. In our season of Lent we should hear the joyful song that offers to fill our hearts with Hope and Awe - "I am a sinner who receives God's amazing grace!" 

From this acknowledgement of Mercy I then choose to live a life of reverence and service to my Saviour.

Question: Does this following verse sound like a God who would delight in destroying people?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:16-17

Prayer: Lord, keep me from pronouncing judgement on other people, lest I implicate myself in these charges. Guide us as we seek to offer your Love and Hope to those who have forgotten you or who are searching for redemption. Amen.


Living in Grace
D3LM3 


"If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings,
    who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
    and that’s why you’re worshiped." - The Message

21 - A prayer from the gut

 

 

"From the depths of my despair I call to you, Lord.
Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help!" - Psalm 130:1-2

This is the Psalm set for this weekend and it couldn't be more fitting for what we are experiencing at the moment. The people of Israel were going through their own sufferings and turmoil, but they knew where to turn in their crisis. 

The thing I love about this Psalm (along with all the rest) is that they are so honest. There seems to be no time to waste on saying the right formal things, just simply pouring out their hearts to God. These kind of prayers are the most effective and I know that God hears us when our words come from deep in our guts. 

Friends, let us not worry about whether our prayers during the Covid-19 pandemic are eloquent or spiritual enough. Lent teaches us that we come to Jesus as we are - no pretense - just as his beloved children!

Prayer for today: 
Lord, during this time of unprecedented struggle and crisis all over the world, we come to you in deep humility and beg you to hear our prayer. We are calling for help and direction. Please don't let our despair get the better of us - we turn to you for help and hope. Lord, we believe you can do miracles in our time, so please come to our rescue. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Living in Grace
D3LM3