Down an Unfamiliar Road

WHY HIDE ANYTHING FROM GOD –

In compiling psalms that deal with trying to fool God or being foolish enough to think you can hide things from God, the compilers chose to include David’s confession following his adultery with Bathsheba, and the pain of Nathan’s exposure of his foolishness. David wrote this psalm in an effort to reconcile with his Heavenly King, and was anxious to regain his position as a man after God’s own heart. David learned a valuable lesson in dealing with his sinful nature: Admit that you did wrong; Confess that wrong in its entirety to God; then, Pledge with God’s help never to repeat it. Only a full and complete confession will result in full and complete forgiveness.

“O One True God, please find a way to forgive me and love me once again; let Your compassion be sufficient to remove this rebellious act from my record; yes, wash the dirt from my soiled soul. I know I did wrong; I’ve had constant nightmares over it. You’re the One I failed; You saw me commit this awful deed; who could blame You for finding me guilty and giving me the punishment I deserve? I’ve struggled with sin all my life; I was born with these evil tendencies already in my heart. That’s why You cause us to feel conviction; to make us aware of these secret urges. So cleanse me ‘til I feel pure; yes, wash me ‘til I know every spot is gone. This will allow me to experience joy and contentment again after You turn my pain and grief into rejoicing. Please keep me from becoming obsessed with my sinfulness, by erasing it completely from my mind. Then design a pure heart for me, O One True God, and fill it with a spirit of dedication. Whatever You do, don’t dismiss me from Your presence or withdraw Your Holy Spirit from me. But let me once more rejoice in Your saving power; so with a grateful spirit I can keep going. Believe me, I will certainly let others dealing with the same temptations know what You’ve done, so they will turn back to You. So I ask You now, O One True God, pardon me so I won’t die in my sins; I want so much to sing with all my heart about the One True God and His marvelous grace.” Psalm 51:1-14

Reflection: A woman angrily confronted her husband about his affair with another woman in town. With trembling shoulders he bowed his head, and as tears streamed over his cheeks he asked her forgiveness. In response she gave him a list of things she wanted him to do before she would forgive him. It took quite a while until he finished the last item on the list, which he then gave to his wife for approval. After looking it over, and with a smirk on her face, she tore up the completed list and with little sincerity said, “Okay, I guess I have to forgive you.” That’s when her husband turned, walked to the front door and opened it. As he prepared to exit he looked back at his wife and said with a calm voice, “You don’t need to give me your forgiveness, I’ve earned it!” then walked out and never came back. They ended up getting a divorce; he married the other woman and went on with his life, while she continued to sit at home each evening in misery, stewing in frustration and anger because she didn’t feel she made him pay a big enough price. David knew there was no sacrifice to cover his sin; there was nothing he could do to earn it. So he threw himself completely on God’s mercy and grace, falling at God’s feet and pleading for forgiveness. He didn’t do this to garner pity, or see what bargain he could make with God; he did it but because of whom God is and what God can do. God did not give him a list of things to accomplish in order to earn forgiveness, because He knew that was impossible. What a great lesson for anyone trying to pay for or earn forgiveness from God, when all along His grace and mercy offers it freely to those who are sincere.

WHERE DO YOU STAND WITH GOD –

Asaph, a descendant of Levi, was the music minister in the tabernacle. David often gave him psalms to be set to music. But it was more than just creating rhythm, although Asaph was good on the cymbals. He wanted people to better understand the God they served, and how they should appreciate His love and forgiveness. He also wanted them to know that worshiping God was not sufficient, if we did not combine it with following His word and His will. After all God had given His people, He deserved all they had in return.

“Come to Me from wherever you are, said the KING of kings, the LORD Eternal. Then He appeared in all His splendor and glory! That’s how our One True God will appear with the fire of Shekinah glory swirling around Him like a whirlwind, and not hesitate to speak His mind. All heaven and earth will be invited to witness the judgment of His people. So He spoke and said, ‘Bring everyone who made a covenant with Me by way of the sacrifice that was given!’ We know that all heaven has seen how He deals so fairly with people, because the judge is the One True God Himself. ‘Listen to what I’m about to reveal,’ He will say, ‘As I, the One True God, your One True God, read any charges made against you believers. I won’t fault you based on your giving and offerings made daily; I won’t confiscate your assets or possessions, your property or valuables; I already own everything. If I were hungry, I don’t need a hand-out from you because everything is already Mine. So continue with your offerings and pay your tithes to your One True God, your God Most High. And call on Me when troubles come your way and I will stand by your side so you can honor Me with praise’.” Psalm 50:1-15

Reflection: Back in the days when the American west was being populated by pioneers, they traveled in covered wagons drawn by oxen to settle on unclaimed lands. One such group in a wagon train noticed a huge cloud of smoke stretching for miles across the horizon. It didn’t take them long to realize that a prairie fire was being blown directly at them by fierce winds. It was too late to retreat to the river they crossed just the day before, because their wagons moved very slowly. Suddenly the leader got an idea. He placed everyone in a long line parallel to the wall of fire coming straight toward them, and then told everyone to set the grass behind them on fire. As the fire burned away in back of them, they moved with it so they soon stood on ground already burned. As the huge prairie fire approached them, one little girl panicked and cried out in terror, “We’ll all burn to death!” Calmly the leader responded, “No, my child, the flames cannot reach us here for we are standing where the fire has already been.” What a somber but clear picture this gives those who now stand on holy ground already burned by God’s judgment on sin. As pilgrims we do not attend worship, join in ministry, read our Bibles, participate in prayer, or say grace at meals just because we believe we “owe” it to God. No, we’re not trying to pay Him back for all the good things He’s done for us, that’s impossible and a waste of time. We do all these things as our way of saying, “Thank You LORD for Your love, kindness, forgiveness, grace, and mercy; thank You for making it possible for us to survive a fiery ending, and one day stand before You forgiven and redeemed!”

WHO ARE FOOLING?

The compilers of the Psalter wanted to continue the theme of putting faith in God to deliver, so they chose this psalm written by one of Korah’s sons. It seems they had the same situation back then that we experience today. That is: some believe that the rich and famous, the powerful and influential, are guaranteed a better standing in the world to come because of their standing down here. They need not attend church, read their Bibles, or be known for their prayer life. The theory is that God will reward them for their good works, not their faith. The Psalmist knew better and wanted everyone to know the truth.

“Listen everyone, whether you are an ordinary person or a celebrity, whether you are rich or poor; I’m going to give you some wise advice and make it very clear. I will let this parable speak for me, which I’m putting into song and music so it will be easier to remember: ‘Don’t lose faith when things begin to fall apart because those all around you have fallen into immoral living; especially those people who think that getting rich will solve all their problem; those who foolishly seek lavish lifestyles. Let me tell you something, no amount of money can buy eternal life or pay the price for redemption that our One True God requires. The amount needed to purchase redemption is beyond anyone’s means, so stop trying.’ Does anyone think they can buy eternal life and somehow bypass the grave? No matter how intelligent or successful a person may be, they will end up in the grave just like those who are ignorant failures; leaving everything they have behind for others to spend. Even though their estates are named after them, their grave will become their future home, as it will for all those who follow in their footsteps. Every person should know that they cannot take their wealth with them; death will treat them like any other creature. Only those who are self-absorbed think otherwise, along with anyone else who believes such nonsense.” Psalm 49:1-13

Reflection: Recently a poll was conducted at Rockefeller Center in New York City, and only 4% of those polled knew anything about the Rockefeller family, or how they accumulated their wealth. Most of their riches came from investments in Standard Oil, which later became known as Exxon and Mobil. J. D. Rockefeller also helped found Chase Manhattan Bank. By 1911 his estimated worth was $900 million, which would be $9 billion in today’s money. When he died in 1937 he had given away over $500 million. He helped found the University of Chicago; the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research – now Rockefeller University. He also gave $5 million to help found the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; helped in the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and built the Rockefeller Center in 1931. Yet, for all his wealth, influence and generous giving, Rockefeller will face the same judgment seat of God as all the beggars who died on the streets of New York during the great depression. He will have no advantage over them based on his high standing as a friend of presidents and kings. That’s why we should never allow ourselves to be compared to another person’s standing in this world, but let the great Judge pronounce His decision based on our standing in the world to come.

GOD APPRECIATES YOU, APPRECIATE HIM –

God’s miraculous victory over the enemy to save Hezekiah, not only preserved His people from falling prey to a heathen monarch, but also the City of David. Sitting some 2,500 feet above sea level on the summit of Mt. Zion; with its whitewashed buildings against the backdrop of the brown-earthed, finger-like hills, pilgrims spotted the city like an opal on a ring finger. Then at night, with all its lanterns burning it sparkled like a diamond in the sky; like a star on a hill; calling everyone to come to its streets filled with laughter and song. But for the Psalmist, the greatest attraction of that marvelous city was the fact that God had made it His home.

“In the City of our One True God, our awesome LORD Eternal is celebrated with great enthusiasm. High up on His Holy Mountain, in a beautiful location on the northern summit where the whole world can see Him, is the dwelling place of our great King. And because it is built so strong, our One True God has made Himself known as a safe haven of rest. You remember, how several foreign kings joined forces and came against this holy city en mass. They took one look and were literally stunned, so they turned and fled faster than they came. And things we once only heard about from others, we now are able to witness where our LORD Eternal, who is worshiped by millions dwells, yes, in the place our One True God calls home; and may our One True God always keep it that way. For inside, Your sanctuary, O One True God, we meditate on Your unshakable love. And because we admire You so, O One True God, that admiration of who You are and what You’ve done extends around the world; because Your mighty hand ensures justice for all. So let the congregations rejoice! Yes, let believers be glad He has given us something to be glad about. This is our Eternal One True God, and He will guide us to everlasting life.” Psalm 48:1-5, 8-11, 14

Reflection: William James, one of the founders of modern psychology theories, received an azalea plant one day, as a gift from his class of young ladies at Radcliffe College, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. James often suffered from long bouts of depression, as well as various physical ailments. In response he wrote his class a letter, expressing appreciation for their kindness. In his letter he acknowledge somewhat ashamedly: “I now perceive one immense omission in my Psychology – the deepest principle of Human Nature is the craving of praise, and I left it out altogether in my book.”

One does not need to be a practicing psychologist to know the value of being appreciated, and the blessing others receive when we express our gratitude to them. It’s like a dividend being paid back for their caring investment of love in our lives. How much more then must we show our daily appreciation to the One True God. Not only for all the things He has done for us, but for all the things He did not allow to disrupt, and possibly ruin, our lives. While He is able to read our hearts and minds, those around us cannot. That’s why the psalmist was so vocal about his appreciation for God who gave him victory in a battle he didn’t even need to fight. So instead of waiting to rejoice in triumph after the battle is over, let us begin the shout for joy before it even begins!

Even though I had seen this object, I never really knew what it was until I enrolled in Logic at the University. Then the professor explained that it was designed to show how ideas can interact with each other in various ways, and was called the Venn Diagram. This led me to put BODY in one circle, MIND in another circle, and SPIRIT in the last circle. Then I searched the Scriptures to see what the body shared with the spirit in their interaction; what the spirit shared with the mind and what the body shared with the mind and vice versa. But in the center I wanted to look for what all three meant to each other. I also did this with the Trinity. It was a real learning experience. For me the MIND involves the ego, emotions, and will – our psychological perspective of self-consciousness as it relates to others. The SPIRIT involves super-ego, intuition, conscience and fellowship – our spiritual perspective of God-consciousness as it relates to the divine. And the BODY involves the id, senses, needs, and wants – our physiological perspective of world-consciousness as it relates to the environment. So how do they all relate to each other when an incident happens that affects just one. In other words, how does the mind and spirit cope with a bodily issue, and how do they interact with each other? To often, especially during times of trial and temptation, we concentrate only on one aspect of our being, instead of realizing how anything we do or say affects the whole organism. Just like colors in the same diagram, when combined together they mutate into a totally different shade of the two colors involved. It also depends on how much of each color is involved. So the next time, as a born again believer, you deal with an issue of importance or something more mundane, just ask yourself how your being and your decision or lack of decision may impact the other two parts of your being, and then all three combined. It may help you make up your mind in a more conscientious way. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

HOW ONE PICTURE PAINTED A THOUSAND WORDS – A hardworking business man finally retired and wanted take up full-time his life-long dream of being an artist. But the years of heavy labor and arthritis had so crippled his hands and fingers he was unable to pursue his dream. Therefore, he decided to have a contest for up and coming artists and guarantee the winner his full financial support to paint the masterpieces he could now only dream of. So he rented a large auditorium and sent out invitations to all aspiring artists in the country to enter the competition. He announced a common theme for all artistes to try and interpret in their painting and that was, “Peace.” On the day of judging, along with several well-known art curators, he began walking down between the many rows of canvasses to see who portrayed “Peace” the best. At one point he stopped at the easel of a young lady to study her work. It depicted a scene high up in the Alps with untouched snow filling the valley, and a small cloud seemingly snared by the apex of the highest peak; as the sun shining through the pure air glistened off the undisturbed mountain landscape. With a smile on his face he asked the young lady, “What do you call this painting?” “Peace on the Mountain,” she replied. He walked on and after a while came to a portrait done by young man. As his eyes examined the canvass he saw a beautiful vale with knee-high grass, blossoming flowers, and trees full of fruit; several deer were drinking from a slow moving brook flowing through the lush meadow. In the background sat a beautiful vine-covered cottage with a wisp of smoke rising from the chimney. “My, my, what do you call this piece?” he asked the young man. “I call it, ‘Peace in the Valley’,” replied the young fellow with a gleam in his eyes. As he finally approached the end of the last row in the exhibition, he spotted a watercolor created by an older artist that immediately caught his startled eye. He walked over to get a closer look at the canvass just to make sure of what he was seeing. There was a portrait of a wild rushing river white with foam, roaring through a mountain gorge carrying everything in its way. The sky was pitch dark and flashes of lightening emitted from the clouds with brilliant bursts, as rain pelted down with horrendous fury pounding everything it hit with ferocity. The philanthropist was taken aback, and looking at the artist exclaimed with a frown, “The theme was ‘Peace,’ I don’t see any peace here!” The artist asked the gentleman to get nearer so he could see a scene portrayed up on the side of a sheer cliff. There he saw a limb sticking out underneath an overhang holding a nest on which a small bird sat chirping away as she calmly covered her eggs. “What in the world do you call this” the philanthropist exclaimed! The artist smiled and said softly, “Sir, I call it ‘Peace in the Time of Storm’.” This is the kind of peace that only Jesus can give.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHAMPION –

This Psalm continues the story of Hezekiah’s deliverance and healing. It became a song that was sung on every occasion when God’s people triumphed over their enemies. Even to this day, before the blowing of the ram’s horn on the Jewish New Year, this Psalm is recited seven times, not only because God’s name appears seven times in this hymn, but the number seven stands for completion; just like Israel’s march around Jericho the seventh time brought victory. But it points more to the future than the past; when the last war will be fought and Messiah will come to rule and reign in peace.

“Everyone, stand up and give our One True God an enthusiastic ovation! For our LORD Eternal, the God above all gods is awesome; He is the sovereign King over all the earth. And because of Him the world respects us and listens to us. He has prepared a future for us, something every believer – the ones that He loves – can be proud of. So let us lift up our One True God in praise and worship; yes, we lift up the LORD Eternal as the trumpets sound. Let us break out in holy hymns to our One True God; yes let us hail Him as King of kings because our One True God is King and rules over all the nations of the earth from His sacred throne on high. For we have gathered together as followers of the One True God; yes, His chosen people out of many nations who owe their full allegiance to the One True God; for there is no one like Him or above Him.” Psalm 47:1-9

Reflection: In 1923, at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, nine of the most powerful tycoons in the world gathered for a meeting. The included: Charles Schwab, President of the world’s largest steel company; Samuel Insull, President of the world’s largest utility company; Howard C. Hopson, President of Associated Gas & Electric; Arthur Cutten, greatest wheat speculator in the Chicago Stock Exchange; Richard Whitney, President of the New York Stock Exchange; Senator Albert Fall, President Harding’s Secretary of the Interior; Leon Frazier, President of the Bank of International Settlements; Jessie Livermore, richest stock market broker; and Ivar Kreuger, whose company held a world-wide monopoly on the production of matches. They held more money than the U. S. Treasury. They were powerful and influential people everyone marveled at and looked up to. But not too many years after that meeting, Charles Schwab died in bankruptcy while living on borrowed money. Samuel Insull died penniless after running from the law as a fugitive. Howard Hopson went insane; Arthur Cutten went bankrupt; and Richard Whitney ended up in Sing-Sing prison. Even Senator Albert Fall was convicted in the infamous Teapot Dome scandal, and died shortly after being released. Leon Frazier, Jessie Livermore, and Ivar Kruger each committed suicide. This teaches us that while people of power come and go, the Kingdom of God lasts forever. Today God rules and reigns in our hearts, but the day is coming when He will rule and reign supreme over all the earth.

KEEP GOD IN YOUR STORY –

The compilers of the Psalter continue their theme of finding safety in God’s arms, and chose one that reflects reliance on God’s power to rescue. It was such a tumultuous period when the king of Assyria invaded Samaria and Judah. King Hezekiah had been faithful to God and His word, and refused to submit to any foreign ruler. However, the pressure and stress caused him severe emotional and physical suffering. But what a relief when God sent Isaiah to inform him that He was on his side and that He would heal him and extend his life. This inspired one of Korah’s sons to write a song of praise to God as the one in charge of our world and our lives.

“Our One True God looks out for all of us and protects us; He is especially close by and very helpful in times of distress. So there’s no need to panic when the world seems to be falling apart at the seams, and nature is on a rampage with floods and terrible storms. That’s because our One True God has a river whose streams bring gladness to where He dwells; yes, right into the sacred dwelling of our God Most High. And since the presence of our One True God fills His sanctuary, it will remain safe; because sooner or later our One True God will provide deliverance. Nations may riot and governments collapse, but the sound of His thunderous voice will cause all of earth’s inhabitants stop and take notice. For LORD Eternal with His Heavenly Host is on the side of the millions who worship Him; yes, our One True God is the best one to turn to in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1-7

Reflection: A mother watched as her seven-year old daughter was going through the new Bible Storybook she had just bought for her. She noticed that the little girl kept circling the word “God” on every page. The mother stifled the urge to reprimand her daughter for defacing this brand new book, but couldn’t help but ask why she was marking up the book in that manner. So in a somewhat scolding tone she asked, “Why are you doing that to your new book?” Without hesitating, as she kept on circling God’s name, the little girl answered matter-of-factly, “So I will know where to find God when I need Him!” The lesson we learn from Hezekiah’s situation is that God remains closer than we think, especially during dark and troubling times; when many of us doubt He even notices our situation, or plans to intervene soon enough to prevent a tragic ending. It also instructs us to never give up on God, because God never gives up on us. Perhaps like this little girl, go over the story of your life and circle every time God was there when you needed Him. So if you’re struggling to make it right now, look back and you’ll know exactly where to find Him.

A REDEEMER TO THE RESCUE –

Since the compilers of the Psalter are gathering psalms that deal with counsel and dependency on God for direction in a person’s life, they include a love song written especially for Solomon’s inauguration as king; who would later become known for his wisdom, as well as his book on love—Song of Songs, to be sung at his wedding. It is so majestic, that many scholars see it as divine inspiration in preparing a Song for the Messiah in advance to His coming.

“My heart is so stirred with majestic words for You; I long to recite my poem worthy a King for You; using my tongue like the pen of a skilled writer. You are handsomely dashing in appearance; Your words flow so eloquently that everyone knows that the One True God anointed You as someone special. So with splendor and majesty, O my Champion, strap on Your sword of truth and ride out to glorious victories, as You uphold truth, humility and doing what’s right; showing that with Your talent nothing is impossible. Let Your sharpened arrows bring conviction to the hearts of Your enemies, sending them to their knees in submission to You. For the throne God has given You will last forever, and Your reign will be known for equality. For You love rightful living and hate wrongful conduct; proving to everyone that the One True God, Your One True God has anointed You over all others with the oil of gladness. ” Psalm 45:1-7

Reflection: Everyone in the inner-city church in New York knew the little Puerto Rican lady named Maria. She wanted so much to become involved in ministry after being led to Christ, but she barely spoke English. However, she loved children, so they sent her out with one of the buses that brought kids to church each Sunday from low-income neighborhoods. She would look for the worst-looking kid on the bus, put him or her in her lap and whisper over and over the few English words she knew: “I love you, Jesus loves you.” She became especially attached to one little boy who came each Sunday with his little sister. Although she sat him on her lap all the way to church and then back home again, telling him over and over, “I love you, Jesus loves you,” he never uttered a word. That was until one Sunday on the way home, he suddenly turned around as he jumped off her lap and stammered, “I…I…I love you too!” Tears filled Maria’s eyes as she glanced at her watch to check the time; it was 2:30 p.m. By 6:30 p.m. that same evening, the little boy lay dead. His drug-crazed mother beat him to death and threw his bruised and lifeless body on a pile of trash. “I love you, Jesus loves you,” were the last kind words this little lad heard in his short lifetime. Maria used her one talent for God, and God used her to let a small chap who never heard the word “love” at home, to experience and respond to the love of Christ through her. Like this Psalmist who felt inspired to share his excitement about God’s favor with this newly crowned king of Israel, we do not know how many times these words guided Solomon in times of trouble, especially at the end of his life. So let the Psalmist’s effort and the conduct of kind-hearted Maria serve as an example for us. So that whenever the Holy Spirit gives us a kind word for someone who needs to hear about God’s love, we may never know if our voice is the last one they hear telling them, “I love you and Jesus loves you.”

HOLDING ON, NOT HOLDING OUT –

After sharing David’s psalm on how he felt being exiled due to Absalom’s treachery, the composers of the Psalter share another heartfelt psalm of someone exiled in Babylon. They too missed God’s sanctuary and His visible presence embodied in the Ark of the Covenant as much as David. Many calamities had befallen God’s people, but none worse than being carted off into captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Yet the Psalmist had reason to believe that although God was not speaking to them because of their disobedience, He was not far away and would respond to their cry for help.

“O One True God, our ancestors told us all about You and what You did for them. They shared stories of the wonders You performed on their behalf many years ago. They told how You personally helped them succeed in a world that despised them; even becoming more successful than those who opposed them and ended up taking their place. They were quick to admit that their achievements were not due to their talents or abilities; rather, it was Your personal involvement; Your smile of approval, and Your favor that opened doors. That’s why You alone are my King or One True God; just say so and things will happen to bring believers the victory. For with Your help we can stop in their tracks those who persecute; and because You are who You are we will overcome those who are trying to silence us. We don’t trust our talents and abilities to get the job done; You’re the One who gives victory and keeps those who don’t like us from putting us down. That’s why we celebrate You all day long as the One True God, and why I worship You more and more because of who You are.” Psalm 44:1-8

Reflection: At the beginning of WWII, German Nazis rounded up thousands of Jews and sent them off to concentration camps. There, they suffered unimaginable hardships, barbaric torture, and died hideous deaths. As Hitler’s Secret State police, the Gestapo, rounded up unarmed Jewish men, women and children, herding them into boxcars to be sent off to concentration camps and crematories, as they terrorized every city. Many Jewish families hid in attics, forests, caves, hoping not to be discovered. One Jewish family huddled in horror in the basement of their home in Cologne, Germany. But they were discovered and hauled away to receive cruel punishment, just for trying to avoid capture. After American troops entered the city of Cologne searching for snipers, they stumbled into the cellar where these Jews had hidden. There, they found the Star of David drawn on the wall; and underneath were these words: “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. I believe in love, even when there’s no one there. And I believe in God, even when He is silent.” Thank God believers today are not compelled to hide because of all the persecution and opposition they face. But if it did happen, would the place where we took refuge reveal these writings on the wall: “We walk by faith, not by sight. For faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” Just as the farmer foresees his crop before it ever grows; and the fisherman envisions his catch before he ever hauls it in; and Olympians imagine their gold medals before they ever hang around their necks; so by faith we may visualize that crown of righteousness before it’s ever set on our heads. 11/17/12