STAYING ON COURSE –

In order to provide songs for the pilgrims to sing, the compilers of this hymn book for worship chose another psalm of David in which he shares how he wrestled with temptations in life to do as others do, not as God wanted him to do. He was under tremendous pressure to give up on becoming the king of Israel as God promised, and for which the prophet Samuel anointed him. They wanted to offer him something else, something less grand, something less risky. But David did not want to disappoint his God; he wanted to stay on course to complete his calling. This message in song no doubt touched the hearts of the pilgrims to do the same for the One they served.

“O LORD Eternal, I’m calling out to You, hurry to help me; please take notice of what I’m saying as I call on You; as I lift my hands toward heaven at the end of the day, let my prayer ascend up to You like sweet incense from the altar. O LORD Eternal, please station a guard to keep watch over what I say to provide security at the door of my lips. Don’t let my heart be persuaded to do something bad in response to offers made by people with evil motives; don’t let me desire what they have. Let any true believer give me a slap to alert me of the danger; I won’t retaliate against such an act of loving concern, I want to continue standing firm against these pretenders. Even though I told them I had nothing against them and wanted to get along, their stony hearts only made matters worse. What they did was like someone digging a hole in the ground and then throwing me in and covering me up with dirt. That’s why I’m turning my eyes toward You, O LORD God, my Divine Master; so You can protect me, please don’t let me down. Keep me safe from they are trying to do to me; keep me from taking the bait they’ve offered to entrap me. Let these evil-minded people fall into the traps they’ve set, allowing me to continue on with the life You’ve given me.” Psalm 141:1-10

Reflection: Miss Frances Havergal was born on Wednesday, December 14, 1836 as the youngest child of Anglican Church minister, Canon W. H. Havergal, of Worcestershire, England, the composer of many hymn melodies and sacred music. Although she suffered from frail health, she grew up to lead an active life. One time, on a five day visit to a well-known halfway house for girls in Stourport, known as Areley House, she shared with ten destitute girls who lived there the love of Jesus, and prayed in her heart that with God’s help she might lead them in confession and faith. On her last night there, Wednesday, February 4, 1874, the governess asked Frances to visit her two daughters as well, for they had begged her to let Frances to pray with them. After they tearfully accepted Christ as their Savior, Frances went to her room rejoicing. She was so moved, that she sat down and wrote some touching words that flowed from her heart through her pen: “Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.” Frances fulfilled her heart’s desire until she died five years later of hepatitis on Tuesday, June 3, 1879, in Swansea, England. Like King David, Frances wanted to remain faithful to God’s calling no matter what the time or cost. In her case she fought against disease and other handicaps that might tempt others to stay at home and waste their lives feeling sorry for themselves. She also resisted suggestions that she live life to its fullest while she still had time. Rather, she concentrated on God’s plan for her life and would let nothing stop her. As a result, girls who otherwise would have been lost were born again, and she gave the church a song that is still sung to this day. What wonderful examples both King David and Miss Frances give us in carrying out God’s will, albeit with pain and hardship. So when you’re not sure exactly what to do when faced with obstacles and opposition, look to God and let Him give you His smile of approval and encouragement. You’ll find it pays to stand up for God, even if done in pain and agony, more than sitting in misery and suffering, complaining because you can’t do the things you want to do. People will be inspired by you when you stand fast in your faith, they’ll only feel pity for you when you remain seated as you stew in your unhappiness.