Some Observations on Psalms

 

Do you feel discouraged today? Does it seem everyone else gets all the attention or has all the good ideas or possesses much more talent? I recently had a young man tell me he felt worthless. As I watched him blinking back tears, I was happy to be able to tell him that God doesn’t think he’s worthless. But we all have these kinds of thoughts from time to time because that is part of the human condition.

One of the things I love about teaching English is that I get to read and discuss great literature with young people. And one of the things I love about discussing great literature is discovering the way different writers through the years have presented the human condition. Since Adam and Eve made their fateful decision in the Garden of Eden, we have all dealt with sin and sorrow alongside joy and hope. Each of us is living out a story that illustrates God’s work in human history as well as in individual lives. Literature is really just a collection of variations on a theme.

In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29, the poet expresses his experience of despair. He feels disgraced and inept. He looks around and sees others who are better looking and more talented. He even feels that God has stopped listening to him. Then the poet remembers someone who loves him. Here’s how the end of the poem goes:

                Haply I think on thee, and then my state,

Like to the lark at break of day arising

From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;

                     For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings

                     That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

 

When we read this poem in class, I always tell my students that, even if they can’t think of a single person who loves them, they can count on God’s love. For proof, I take them to Psalm 27:10—“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.”

Even the writers of Psalms were subject to thoughts of discouragement and gloom. In Psalm 119:17-24, we see a section that might express how you feel at times. The psalmist seems to feel alienated, that people hold him in contempt. He says, "[R]ulers sit together and slander me" (23). His antidote for this near-despair is to seek God’s favor and to find refuge in his word. The writer's prayer in these verses is for the LORD to reveal the word to him. He seeks to find guidance and comfort in God’s message.

In the next section of Psalm 119, we see a very similar situation described. Here the writer’s prayer is again for God to “strengthen [him] according to [the] word.” He goes on to say, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I have set my heart on your laws” (28 and 30). This seeking to know and understand God and his word is a choice—a choice that leads to help and healing. At the beginning of this section, the writer was “laid low in the dust.” Now he is clinging to God’s truth.

This pattern of sorrow followed by seeking God followed by increased understanding and contentment is found in many of the psalms and is, I think, evidence that it’s not uncommon to need encouragement. I personally find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my occasional bouts of insecurity or anxiety.

 I am thankful for great writers of every age who help me understand myself and my fellow humans better, but I am most thankful for God’s word that speaks to every struggle I have—and I know it will do that for you as well.

--Sherry Poff

"Don't Teach Them Anything"

 

Kindergarten and first grade were bewildering to me. It seemed all the other kids knew what the teacher was talking about, and I didn’t. I didn’t know the vocabulary. Why did they? Or did they? In addition, I didn’t know anyone outside my own family. My parents had four babies in four years and said it was “too much trouble” to take us to church when we were young.

Four decades later, my mother told me the school had told the parents, “Don’t teach them anything; we will teach them everything.” My parents cooperated. Unfortunately, the advice was predicated on the assumptions that there was a body of information to be distributed, the school would assume that task, and we would be “educated,” as long as the parents did not interfere, none of which was entirely true. It was terrible advice.

 Early in our marriage, we were traveling and came upon a young family in distress, financial and emotional, on the side of the interstate. We bought them a tank of gas and had a restaurant meal with them. During the conversation, the husband told us he was a Christian and related his joy at discovering Christ as a young adult. The couple had a tiny baby girl, only a few months old. The dad explained his plan never to tell his daughter about Christ while she was young, so she would be old enough to understand and experience the same joy he had, when she finally heard the gospel. We were horrified at the plan and gently tried to encourage him otherwise. We have no idea how that turned out.

We all know the Scriptures instructing us to teach children day and night, train them, bring them up in the knowledge of the Lord. In addition, the Bible tells believers to instruct, teach, and encourage other adults. King Solomon even asked God Himself to teach His people the right way to live. Teaching each other, adults as well as children, is God’s work, and it is commanded. Each of us knows or understands things another needs to know. Sisters, I guarantee that you know things about which I’m completely ignorant – just as I was in kindergarten.

 Mommies, for whom it seems “too much trouble” – speak truth and teach on! Teachers of children, friends of adults, speak truth and teach on!

 We see every day in our church examples of women (and men) informing and encouraging others with classes, conversations, recommendations, examples of Christlike behavior, teaching, sharing, living. Thank you; keep up the good work!

 --Lynda Shenefield

Revisiting a Familiar Tale

 

It is perhaps the most well-known Old Testament story, referenced even in the secular world when an out-numbered or far out-matched individual or group faces their opponent and surprisingly takes the win. You probably already know the story to which I refer: the story of David and Goliath. We sang about the story as children, perhaps to the detriment of those standing near us. (Anyone else remembering slinging their arms in a circle while singing “and round and round and round and round and round and round and round”?). In studying 1 Samuel this summer, I recently approached this well-known story in chapter 17, and the things I saw and read have been ruminating in my mind ever since. Many of these insights were pointed out in a commentary/ devotional entitled I Samuel for You by Tim Chester that I am reading alongside of my own personal study, as well as a talk I listened to by Courtney Doctor on this passage. I hope these truths encourage and embolden you today as they did me.

We know the story well: Israel’s enemy, the Philistines, stand on a hill on one side of the valley of Elah and the Israelites on a hill on the other side. They are lined up to battle, but the Philistines have chosen a representative of sorts, Goliath of Gath. Israel must now choose their own representative to face Goliath. The battle between these two representatives determines who wins. There is no one on the Israelite side willing or brave enough to face Goliath, not even Saul, the king whom the Israelites had so desperately wanted.

The author of I Samuel takes time to describe Goliath’s armor. One of the details given is that Goliath “was clothed in scale-armor;” or more literally, “was clothed in a breastplate of scales.” Does this remind us of another being clothed in scales? In reading these words, are we meant to think back to Genesis 3 which describes the serpent whose head the offspring of the woman would crush?

Back to the story: We know that David, full of indignation for how Goliath speaks of God’s people and full of faith in God’s ability to help him, steps up himself and slays Goliath, first by using his slingshot to cast a lethal blow to Goliath’s forehead and then by using Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head. The application point of this tale has often been to be like David: to have faith in God and to slay our giants. Yet this falls far short. For, sisters, in this story we are not David. No, Jesus is the true and better David.

Remember that David was the representative of the Israelites. If he won, the Israelites won. As a matter of fact, after David slays Goliath, we see that the Philistines, recognizing their defeat, run away while the Israelites, reveling in their victory, chase the Philistines. This story does not point to us as David; it points to Jesus. Jesus is our representative; He faced the snake. And though the snake bruised His heel (at the cross), Jesus ultimately used Satan’s own weapon (death) against him by rising again from the dead. Just as David disarmed Goliath by taking his sword, so Jesus has disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15). All we did was watch from the sidelines while Jesus did the conquering on our behalf. No, we are not David in the story; we are the Israelites who needed a David to do what we could not do.

               But, sisters in Christ, just like the Israelites understood after David’s triumph that the victory was now theirs, so the victory is now ours. Our Representative won the battle, and now we too can participate in the “chasing out” of the sin in our lives, from a place of victory. We are not helpless and on our own to fight the battles in our minds and actions. The battle has been won; we now keep our eyes fixed on the One who won the battle on our behalf and rely on Him as we seek to live that truth out. And we call others to the winning side. Chester writes, “Look at the battlefield. The time has come to surge forward with a shout and plunder the camp of Satan. He has been cast down and bound. It is time to surge down the hillside and proclaim victory, to call those who belong to Satan to freedom in Christ through the gospel. ‘The battle is the Lord’s.’ The victory is Christ’s; and through him, it is ours.”

Praise the Lord.

 --Amy O'Rear

Losses into Gains

Years ago, I taught a class for prospective foster and adoptive parents (MAPP). One of our sessions was on losses, our own and those of the children we would be serving, and how to turn those into gains. On the board, we listed typical losses the participants had experienced and then we discussed how God had used those losses for good in their lives. We looked for the positives, for things for which to be grateful. Unprocessed losses (or traumas) keep people in bondage. They often lead to addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, health problems, complaining, negativity, etc. Our hope was to lead children who had many losses into a place of freedom.

Corrie ten Boom, as described in the books“ The Watchmaker’s Daughter” and “The Hiding Place,” is an excellent example of a person who took her many losses and traumas and turned them into gains. When she spoke publicly, she often focused on forgiveness. (This amazes me considering the incredible harsh realities this woman suffered.) She knew people could not heal if they could not forgive. Anger and bitterness rooted in unforgiveness can fester within like a bad infection. It’s contagious too.

Have you seen the short video floating around the internet of a garbage truck that dumps his garbage all over a much smaller car? The garbage truck is a picture of a person who is full of anger and then spews that anger all over innocent bystanders. Facing losses can be painful and scary, but there’s a saying, “Choose your hard.” The consequences of not dealing with loss can be huge. It might poison a person’s physical health, their relationships with others and God, their work, their mental health, etc.

So, what can help? A trained Christian counselor can help a person sort through losses and challenge lies. I hear counselors are overwhelmed right now, but many good books, articles, and Bible studies have been written on a variety of topics. Podcasts are available for audible learners. Being intentional about seeking resources is key. Resources are available to those who choose to stop avoiding their issues. To those who choose courage over fear.

Of course, we know the Bible is the greatest source of healing when read and meditated upon and obeyed consistently. Prayer is also of primary importance. Talk it over with God. Ask Him for help and guidance and healing.

Yet, we are not supposed to go-it alone. A wise, trusted, mature believer – someone who is a good listener – can bring perspective and insight into your situation. Pray for God to lead you to the just-right person for you to consult. People who have been through hard times can be helpful because they understand how you feel, but so can people who have not been hampered by the effects of trauma. Sometimes they can see things more clearly. They are like the healthy helping the sick get better. They might have the strength and energy to carry you along. I know when I am sick, I don’t always think straight. That’s when I need someone healthy to speak truth to me. To benefit, I must consider what they are saying, ask if it aligns with what God has said, and not become defensive.

A quick word to the healthy. You don’t have to have all the answers. Pray for those you are helping. While soaking yourself in His Word, ask God for wisdom in what you should say to them. Cultivate good listening skills. People often already have the answers to their problems, so be slow in doling out advice. They might just need you to listen and ask good questions. These are skills that can be learned.

Where are you in all of this? Are there unprocessed losses or traumas you need to face? Are you angry, bitter, paralyzed? Scared? That’s okay. Baby steps. Are you full of unforgiveness? Remember, forgiveness is a decision, an act of obedience that benefits you and not necessarily the offender. It is not always a feeling. The same is true of gratitude. Without gratitude and forgiveness, healing will elude us. Press on and heal.

(((Hugs)))

joyce hague

P.S. Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Moody Publishers, and Lifeway have many great resources.

You Can't Give the Bible to the Wrong Person

 

Amazing...my turn to write for you the very weekend our names are in the bulletin at GBC for prayer!!  Perhaps you don’t even know the Holladays... except that we don’t know how to properly spell “holiday.” J I hope you don’t mind that this blog will be a bit personal.

So what are you praying about when you pray for us? For many years, along with other opportunities, we helped with the Bible ministry at BIMI. Today we are with Biblical Ministries Worldwide getting Bibles printed and distributed, now mostly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East with an emphasis on Ukraine at this time. This is all done with our marvelous man “G” on the field, who is native to Republic of Georgia and fluent in several languages.

Besides Bibles and New Testaments in at least 29 languages printed and distributed over the years, this year we are so excited about an additional project.

 A few months ago I wrote about “connecting the dots” in our lives. About a year ago, I was attending a ladies’ Bible study and saw a new person come in. I invited Nancy to sit by me and learned that she and her husband are involved with Bibles. So immediately I told her that they must come to our house for a “proper cup of English tea” and meet Brant.

They came...and brought a children’s book with them. Nancy’s husband, Lance Glaze, had collaborated with a doctor/artist from India on this beautiful book. Lance told us the story about his own brother (now with the Lord) who had been to Russia and had such a heart for that country.  Lance wondered if Brant knew how we could get the book translated into Russian.

WOW! Our man “G.” has had a burden to write a children’s Bible book, but he has been so busy with Bibles all these 15 years or so, there hasn’t been time. We were all excited. Lance gave all the rights to the 311 page book and photos to G. to translate and copy. The plan of salvation is very clear all through the stories from Genesis to Revelation.

We have already had printed and distributed 4,000 Ukrainian (L.) and 1,000 Russian (R.) of GOD’S WORD FOR THE CHILDREN IN PICTURES. Pray for this precious little girl and many others who have received the story of God’s love and His Word. Over 500 alone have gone into the schools in Ukraine at the request of a superintendent.

These books and Bibles are given out with humanitarian aid for these dear people. Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word will not return void (or empty) but will accomplish what He desires...Please pray for the many Bibles and children’s books that are scattered all over Europe. And for the ones yet to be printed. Now you know what the prayer request in the bulletin meant. J

--Maylou Holladay