Light In The Storm

 

Photo by Alvesgaspar2009

My heart is heavy today for all those affected by catastrophic Hurricane Helene, especially for those who lost loved ones. Our beach home, which inspired the post below (from the archives), has extensive damage, the extent of which is still unclear, just as we had finally completed repairs from Hurricane Ian, which struck nearly exactly two years ago.  But we thank God in all things (Ephesians 5:20), despite our loss and the far worse losses of our neighbors in Florida and northward. We thank Him for sparing our lives and home and the lives and homes of our loved ones, for the peace that passes all understanding (Phillipians 4:7), for the joy in His salvation (Psalm 35:9), and for the reassurance that He works all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Prayers for all those affected by this devastating storm, for grace, strength, peace and comfort.

  

As my husband and I sat overlooking the beach while reading our morning devotionals, we could sense the storm brewing. The breeze was strengthening, allowing a pair of ospreys to soar effortlessly through the darkening sky. Waves lapping the shore began to

 chop and churn, and the usually pale blue, glassy sea became rough and darkened with deep purple blots like ink stains under the gathering clouds.

I spotted an unusual cloud formation that resembled a rocky cliff with a sharp drop-off, abutting what looked like an immense boulder. In the cleft between the boulder and the cliff was a human figure, huddled in a fetal position. Standing on the cliff was an angel with outstretched arms, as if protecting the person below.

As we watched the clouds change shape in the shifting winds, we witnessed an amazing transformation. The human figure looked up at the angel and straightened up, while still trapped between the cliff and the boulder. Although the angel began to recede into the distance, the sun’s rays, previously hidden, began to illuminate the human figure so that it shone brightly in the otherwise dark sky.

How often do we feel as if we’re trapped between a rock and a hard place? Like the psalmist David, who hid in caves as he fled for his life, we may feel like we’ve fallen into a pit (Psalm 40:2), a deep crevice flanked by impenetrable rock, and an impossibly long way up to safety. We can’t pull ourselves from it or climb out in our own strength, and we are reminded that God is our only hope (Psalm 38:15; 42:5,11; 71:5).

David wrote that the evils surrounding him and the consequences of his own sins were so great that he could not even look up, and his heart failed him. But God alone could save him through His tender mercies, loving kindness and truth, which continually preserved and delivered him (Psalm 40:11-17).

Praise God that He is our refuge in the storm, and that in our moments of deepest despair, He is with us, for He will never leave us nor forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5). He has not promised to remove us from our trials, for they accomplish His purpose for us in ways we cannot begin to understand, as they did with Job (Job 1:21).

God did not answer the apostle Paul’s repeated prayers to remove his thorn in the flesh, for His grace is sufficient in our trials and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9), and we can have faith in His infinite love, power and wisdom to always work all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

While still trapped in the rocks, the human figure in the clouds looked up, straightened up, and shone brightly. When in trouble, we should look up to the heavens, for God is the source of our help (Psalm 121:1). We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! He alone enables us to stand fast (1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 1:27) and straight in the storm, and to shine brightly with His reflected light to be a beacon and encouragement to others (John 1:9; 8:12; Philippians 2:15).

Recently our Pastor has been preaching from Scripture verses that comfort us in times of trouble. There are no coincidences or accidents with God.

At the very time we were at the beach watching this majestic demonstration of His handiwork (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:20), His Word spoke to us through the devotionals we were reading. One of these referenced Iguazu Falls, a stunning chain of 275 waterfalls in South America, bordered by a wall on which is inscribed the words “God is always greater than all our troubles,” under Psalm 93:4: The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

The brightness of the human figure enfolded in the rocks also reminded me that in times of trouble, God hides (Psalm 32:7) and protects us within Himself, in His pavilion and in the secret of His tabernacle, and that He will set us upon a rock (Psalm 27:5). That Rock is the sure foundation (Luke 6:48; Matthew 16:18) of His Son Jesus Christ, Who saves and gives eternal life (John 3:16) to all who trust in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6).

May we trust in Christ alone, and in His mercy, for He is our Rock, salvation, defense, glory, strength and refuge! (Psalm 62:5-8; 59:16-17; 94:22)

His protection and guidance from our enemies, threats and dangers (Psalm 32:8) enables us through faith to lift our head above these trials, to seek His face, offer sacrifices of joy and sing praises to Him (Psalm 27:6-8). Praise God that He is our refuge, strength, and very present help in trouble, so that we have no reason to fear even if the earth crumbles, the mountains explode and are carried into the roaring sea (Psalm 46:1-3).

Even in our darkest storms, may His light shine through us so that we can be a beacon of hope to a lost and dying world!

© 2017 Laurie Collett

Edited, expanded and reposted from the archives

A New Song: Triplets of Praise

 

Imagine some of the loveliest hymns ever written -- Amazing Grace, In the Garden, Silent Night, and as you sing them in your head, you will realize that they are in waltz rhythm, or three-quarter time. The waltz is a special song because of its rhythmic structure based on three beats, reminding me of the triune nature of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

No matter what the rhythm, however, God wants us to sing a new song to Him, and His Word describes that new song in triplets of praise. God designed us in His image for His good pleasure, including our voices (Exodus 15:1,21), ears (Exodus 10:2), and musical abilities (Genesis 4:21) to resonate freely to His glory.

The Psalms were originally written as songs, with instructions to the musicians. Six Psalms (33, 40, 96, 98, 144, 149) command us to sing a new song to the Lord. That song is to be accompanied by a harp, psaltery and instrument of ten strings (Psalm 33:2-3; 144:9); or with the harp, trumpets and cornet (Psalm 98:1,5,6); or with the dance, timbrel and harp (Psalm 149:1,3). 

Three types of instruments specifically mentioned are therefore stringed instruments (including the psaltery), brass instruments (trumpets and cornet), and percussion instruments (timbrel, which is like a tambourine). The new song therefore may be sung with the voice, played on instruments, or danced. It may be played skilfully with a loud noise (Psalm 33:3), be poetic as a psalm, or just be a joyful noise. Everyone, regardless of musical ability, is to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, by making a loud noise, rejoicing, and singing praise (Psalm 98:4-5).

Not only is this new song of praise for all the inhabitants of the earth to sing (Psalm 96:1), but for all creation! Even the sea should roar, the floods clap their hands, and the hills be joyful together (Psalm 98:7-8).

Why should I praise the Lord? Because He bent toward me, heard my cry of distress, and brought me up out of the horrible pit of destruction. He set my feet upon the Rock of His sure Foundation, He kept me out of trouble, and He put a new song in my mouth (Psalm 40:1-3). God is praiseworthy for the marvelous things He has done, for the victory He has won, and for saving us through His Son. He alone has the attributes of righteousness, mercy and truth (Psalm 98:1-3).

What will happen if I sing that new song of praise? Many shall see it (experience our witness of being born again), and fear (realize they are sinners deserving eternal punishment in hell and shall trust in the Lord (place their faith in His death, burial and resurrection as the only Way to Heaven). (Psalm 40:1-3; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 3:3-8; 14:6). By singing unto the Lord, we bless His name; show His salvation; and declare His glory (Psalm 96:1-3).

Music that honors God is a way to witness to the unsaved (Psalm 98:2), as well as to encourage other believers and to worship God (Psalm 149:1-2). To uplift fellow Christians, to elevate our own spirits and to commune with God, we should speak to one another, to ourselves, and to God in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).

Even though classic hymns containing Scripture may not be “new songs,” we can sing them anew, listening for nuances, creating inflections, and singing with vibrato that emphasize how the hymn now applies to our own life. 

We cannot sing without breathing, and it is no accident that the word "inspire" refers to inhaling as well as to evoking feelings of encouragement and hope in others. "Spirit" comes from the same root word.  God created man by breathing the breath of life into his nostrils (Genesis 2:7); all Scripture is Spirit-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16); and we understand in our spirit only by the inspiration of the Almighty (Job 32:8)

God’s Word in song is as much a two-edged sword as it is when it is spoken (Psalm 149:6; Hebrews 4:12). What a wonderful way to rebuke the devil and have him flee from us! (Matthew 4:10-11; James 4:7).

In my music ministry, I try to sing a variety of good music, including not only standard hymns and contemporary Christian songs but also “new songs,” or classical or secular tunes for which I have rewritten the lyrics, hoping to engage those whose hearts may be softened by the melody to respond to the Christian message. This is also the focus of our dance ministry, in which we use music and dance to bring Good News to a largely secular audience.

There are three verses (Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9; 14:3) referring to the new song of praise that is fit only for the Redeemer, the Lamb Who was slain, and the King of Kings eternally on His throne. One of these is prophesied in Isaiah, foretelling the inhabitants of all the new earth singing the praise of Christ the King in the new Millennium (Isaiah 42:9-12).

The other two verses picture the Revelation of Jesus Christ in all His glory. The singers of the new song will be the four beasts and four and twenty elders (Revelation 5:8) and the 144,000 redeemed male virgins (Revelation 14:3-4). The 144,000 witnesses will sing with a voice like many waters, like a great thunder, and like the sound of harp music (Revelation 14:2).

The four beasts repeat “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come (Revelation 4:8). Each of the three words “holy” refers to a different member of the Trinity, identified as “Lord” (Christ Jesus), “God” (the Father), and “Almighty” (the Holy Spirit) Who empowers the divine plan (Genesis 1:2; Luke 1:35).

Why is Jesus Christ alone worthy of the praise in this new song? Because He was slain; He redeemed us with His shed blood; and He made believers from every nation to be kings and priests to reign with Him (Revelation 5:10).

When should we sing new songs to the Lord? Not only in the future when we worship Him in glory, or when we praise Him publicly in church or elsewhere, but even privately at home, singing aloud upon our beds before we rise in the morning or fall asleep at night (Psalm 149:5-6), and throughout the day making melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). 

Praise God that all who have trusted Him as Lord and Savior can sing the new song of the redeemed (Psalm 71:23; Isaiah 51:11), for we are a new creation in Him! Even if you can’t carry a tune, lift up your whole being in new songs to His glory!

© 2014 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives and edited

A Lesson in Psalms: Honey, Beth, Best, Staff

Photo (2009) by Toby Hudson

As regular readers of this blog may know, I often have detailed and vivid dreams. Recently, however, I awoke with no memory of a dream, but only with four words in my mind: Honey – Beth – Best – Staff.

I had no idea what this meant, particularly since I don’t know anyone named Beth, or what the Lord might be trying to tell me, until my husband and I began our daily devotional readings. The first passage designated for that day was from Psalm 119, including the portion labeled “Beth” in our King James Version Bible! 

This Psalm is not only the longest book in the Bible, but also a stunning example of God’s literary craftsmanship and design. Its twenty-two stanzas each contain eight verses and are each subtitled with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, in alphabetical order. Each verse begins with the same letter for which the stanza is named.

Not surprisingly, Psalm 119 is all about God's Word, praising it, urging us to love it and meditate on it, and to learn from its laws and commandments. God bringing the “Beth” stanza of Psalm 119 into our daily reading encouraged me to consider in the context of the Psalms the meaning of the four words He summoned into my mind. 

“Honey,” the first word in my dream phrase, is first mentioned in the Psalms in Chapter 19, which praises God’s law, testimony, statutes, and commandments. We are to observe these in fear of the Lord, meaning in an attitude of respecting and revering His judgments (Psalm 19:7-8).   

Normally we think of judgments as being punishments, yet this Psalm says that they are true and righteous, more desirable than much fine gold, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Why? Because they warn us of how not to sin against God, and if we keep them, we will be richly rewarded (Psalm 19: 9-11). 

Blessings, like honey, often come in unexpected settings. Samson found honey in the carcass of a lion he had slain with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-9), suggesting that sometimes we must endure great trials before we can enjoy the rewards of victory. The struggle itself makes the blessing that much sweeter, like a spoonful of honey a mother gives her sick child after he swallows the bitter medicine. 

The sweetest blessing and reward anyone could have is salvation and eternal life, given freely to all who trust in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6). Before we tasted of the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 34:8), we were His enemies, hating Him and rebelling against Him. But His infinite love for us is shown in His death for us even when we were His enemies, reconciling us to Holy God and giving us eternal life (Romans 5:10). 

Once submitted to Him, He will satisfy even His enemies with the finest wheat, for He is the bread of life, and with honey out of the rock (Psalm 81:10-16), for He is the Rock of our salvation (Psalm 18:2,48; 62:2-7; 89:26; 95:1). 

BETH (Psalm 119:9-16). 

Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 

This stanza explains that following God’s Word is our best defense against sin, and that joy comes from incorporating it into our being! We must study it, for it reveals God and His ways and character. We must treasure it, share it with others through our witness, meditate on it, and delight in it. 

Later on in Psalm 119, verse 103 reminds us that God’s Word is sweeter than honey to our mouth. If we fill our heart and mind with this sweetness (Philippians 4:8), rather than with the bitter poison of sin and negativity, it will overflow into our speech and actions, refreshing others like a pure fountain or spring (James 3:11). 

Best

Surprisingly, there is only one mention of the word “best” in the Psalms: Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. (Psalm 39:5). 

This is not using the word in a positive context, but rather is a warning against placing any stock in our own strength. God is infinite and eternal (Hebrews 13:8), whereas our physical life disappears like a puff of smoke (James 4:14). Even at our “best” we are nothing in comparison to Him (Psalm 8:4). He gives us our very life, our next breath, our salvation, and the best gifts, namely spiritual gifts, all of which pale beside His infinite love (1 Corinthians 12:31-1 Corinthians 13). 

Staff 

How can we therefore make the best use of the limited lifespan He has allotted to us, as well as of the time, talents, treasure and spiritual gifts He has distributed to us? By thankfully accepting and following His correction, according to these four words He placed in my mind. In what seems to be hardship and judgment there is great blessing, when He uses it to shape us into His image (Philippians 3:10). 

Just as a loving father disciplines his children for their own good, a shepherd guides His sheep by getting their attention with the rod and staff. The word “staff” in the Psalms first appears in Psalm 23, the Shepherd’s Psalm: 

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

We don’t normally think of being poked with a rod or pulled along with the crook of a staff as being a comfort, but David in his darkest hours recognized the healing and restoring power of God’s loving hand of correction, as expressed in the above verse. We can take solace in the pain, knowing that we are saved thereby even from the power of death. God is our loving Father Who corrects His children when we drift off His narrow path into harm's way (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Jesus Christ is the Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd (John 10:11-18; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4), guiding us when we, as sheep, have gone astray (Psalm 119:176; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 18:12). With His staff He will lead us through the valley of the shadow of death, not leave us helpless or hopeless within it. As we pass through that valley we find goodness and mercy, and as we emerge from it we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6). 

The only other mention of “staff” in Psalms is in Psalm 105:16, referring to another type of judgment, with the Lord calling for a famine upon the land and breaking the whole staff of bread. This is a reminder that God provides for our physical nourishment through bread, which is the staff of life; and for our spiritual sustenance through His Word, which is the staff of spiritual life. We would starve if He were to withhold bread from us, but our worst judgment comes from being deprived of hearing His Word.

Honey – Beth – Best – Staff reminded me that the sweetest blessings can come from God’s Word, not only as a source of comfort, but as a correction when we stray far from His chosen path. May we hide His Word in our heart, that we would not sin against Him!

© 2020 Laurie Collett