Psalm 13
I used Psalm 13 as my text today while leading the communion thoughts at church. I said something like the following:
Last Sundays communal prayer time really got to me...in fact, it was overwhelming. We've been praying for so many families for so long and the suffering just continues. I think of the Felts family, the Kirkpatrick family...and even my family. I found myself whispering while we were taking prayer request..."How long, how long can some of these people continue with such pain in their lives?"
Well, that cry is not original with me, those are ancient words. The cry "How Long, Oh Lord" appears over and over in scripture...especially in the Old Testament. However, in my opinion the words are more poignant in Psalm 13 than anywhere else. When the Psalmist cries out;
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long Oh Lord? I know some of us can identify with David in Psalm 13 all to well. Because we too have cried out. One of my favorite musical artists is Bono of U2. He wrote a song using Psalm 13 as inspiration. He sings out, "How long Oh Lord must I sing this song. I want to sing...sing a NEW song...How long to sing this song?"
Life can be overwhelming at times.
One of our difficulties is that we are bound by linear time and the suffering can seem endless as if it will never go away. But I want to urge us to try and think like God for a moment. Because God is not bound by linear time. He isn't limited to time, dates and a calendar. So if we would stop and think like God for a moment...surely the second coming is just over the horizon.
But for some the pain is very real even right now at this moment. So how do we get through today?
My answer is the same answer Jesus gave. Until I come again..."Take, Eat."
Welcome to the table of the Lord.
Last Sundays communal prayer time really got to me...in fact, it was overwhelming. We've been praying for so many families for so long and the suffering just continues. I think of the Felts family, the Kirkpatrick family...and even my family. I found myself whispering while we were taking prayer request..."How long, how long can some of these people continue with such pain in their lives?"
Well, that cry is not original with me, those are ancient words. The cry "How Long, Oh Lord" appears over and over in scripture...especially in the Old Testament. However, in my opinion the words are more poignant in Psalm 13 than anywhere else. When the Psalmist cries out;
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long Oh Lord? I know some of us can identify with David in Psalm 13 all to well. Because we too have cried out. One of my favorite musical artists is Bono of U2. He wrote a song using Psalm 13 as inspiration. He sings out, "How long Oh Lord must I sing this song. I want to sing...sing a NEW song...How long to sing this song?"
Life can be overwhelming at times.
One of our difficulties is that we are bound by linear time and the suffering can seem endless as if it will never go away. But I want to urge us to try and think like God for a moment. Because God is not bound by linear time. He isn't limited to time, dates and a calendar. So if we would stop and think like God for a moment...surely the second coming is just over the horizon.
But for some the pain is very real even right now at this moment. So how do we get through today?
My answer is the same answer Jesus gave. Until I come again..."Take, Eat."
Welcome to the table of the Lord.