“How shall we
sing the LORD’s song in a strange land?” (Psalm 137:4 KJV)
It is so easy to
succumb to the circumstances . . . the storms of life . . . the waves of the sea. But the worst thing is
to be depressed and not know why.
Halfway across the
room, three-year-old Grant looks at me and grins. I force a half-hearted smile
that I really don’t feel. He’s a live wire, decked out in his Scottish, plaid
pants and long-sleeved red shirt. He gives me a serious look and asks, “Are
you not feeling well, poppa?” Then when I don’t grin, he crosses the room
and with a soft, gentle touch pats my arm.
room, three-year-old Grant looks at me and grins. I force a half-hearted smile
that I really don’t feel. He’s a live wire, decked out in his Scottish, plaid
pants and long-sleeved red shirt. He gives me a serious look and asks, “Are
you not feeling well, poppa?” Then when I don’t grin, he crosses the room
and with a soft, gentle touch pats my arm.
And from the depths
of memory this chorus rings:
of memory this chorus rings:
Soft
as the voice of an angel,
Breathing
a lesson unheard,
Hope
with a gentle persuasion
Whispering
a comforting word
Then, with Grant’s
head against my chest and hand still patting, I remember the words of the
Apostle Paul from the dreary, depressing strange land of his prison cell: Rejoice in the Lord always : and again I say,
Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 KJV).
head against my chest and hand still patting, I remember the words of the
Apostle Paul from the dreary, depressing strange land of his prison cell: Rejoice in the Lord always : and again I say,
Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 KJV).
Suddenly the
“strange land” of depressing circumstances doesn’t hinder my singing.
I discover that the LORD’s song can be sung when I focus on him and not on me.
“strange land” of depressing circumstances doesn’t hinder my singing.
I discover that the LORD’s song can be sung when I focus on him and not on me.
Dear Father, thank
you for giving me a song to sing. Empower me with a rejoicing spirit and
attitude. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for giving me a song to sing. Empower me with a rejoicing spirit and
attitude. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today and rejoice with Lord’s song,
courageous today and rejoice with Lord’s song,