Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: (Psa.136:23)
One of the challenges of this current Christian era is that there is no place for lament. Lament is frowned upon by modern-day saints who are super in their faith. According to them there is no place for moments of intense lamentable and regrettable reflection. All conversation should be laden with excitement and joy; and all of our songs should be upbeat and celebratory.
However, those of us who will admit to moments of transition and struggle are in solidarity with the characters of the scriptures.Most bible personalities were not intimidated into silencing their struggles. Rather, they openly articulated their disappointments. A great deal of their songs, or psalms, addressed times of trouble: yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23); when my heart is overwhelmed (Psa.61) or he brought me out of a horrible pit (Psa. 40).
Walter Brueggemman, a distinguish old-testament scholar, said there are more psalms of lament than of celebration. In other words, the saints of old sang about their issues and concerns. Clearly, the psalmist, in Psalm 136, sings about low points ora lowly estate. The singer recounts the historical period when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt. Perhaps that caused the lowly estate of which he sang. Or, it may have been that he wondered who would remember him at the low places in his life. He could have felt that people would forget who he was and what he had done when he was no longer a towering figure. Is there any truth to the adage people only remember what you have done for them lately?
Regardless of what caused him to sing of the low point, the important thing is that the songwriter (or psalmist) was aware of God’s concern. Notice the confident refrain "His Mercy Endures For Ever". That is to say, God’s Love Never Quits On Us. People may come and go but God is the same today, yesterday and forever. God looks out for God's children, and perfects those things that concern them (Psa. 138). At our lowest moments God will hear our songs of lament, and our cries of "Lord, do not pass us by".
Therefore, don't doubt for one second if anyone is concerned about you. All you need to do is remember a bloody cross and a sacrificial savior who died for our sin, sorrows and situation (ISA 53). God's love is forever, and God will never quit on you or me!
Prayer:
Father I stretch my hands to you no other help I know (Psa.88:9). Thank you for never giving up on me and always being concerned about my well being. Even when I am faithless, you are faithful (2 Tim 2:13). You never forget my name, and you remind me of my worth and value to you. If my issue never changes, just knowing that you are concerned keeps me at peace. Into your hands I place my life and purpose. In Jesus' name Amen.
God's peace and Good journey!
+t. anthony bronner
Originally published June 17th,2010
One of the challenges of this current Christian era is that there is no place for lament. Lament is frowned upon by modern-day saints who are super in their faith. According to them there is no place for moments of intense lamentable and regrettable reflection. All conversation should be laden with excitement and joy; and all of our songs should be upbeat and celebratory.
However, those of us who will admit to moments of transition and struggle are in solidarity with the characters of the scriptures.Most bible personalities were not intimidated into silencing their struggles. Rather, they openly articulated their disappointments. A great deal of their songs, or psalms, addressed times of trouble: yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23); when my heart is overwhelmed (Psa.61) or he brought me out of a horrible pit (Psa. 40).
Walter Brueggemman, a distinguish old-testament scholar, said there are more psalms of lament than of celebration. In other words, the saints of old sang about their issues and concerns. Clearly, the psalmist, in Psalm 136, sings about low points ora lowly estate. The singer recounts the historical period when the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt. Perhaps that caused the lowly estate of which he sang. Or, it may have been that he wondered who would remember him at the low places in his life. He could have felt that people would forget who he was and what he had done when he was no longer a towering figure. Is there any truth to the adage people only remember what you have done for them lately?
Regardless of what caused him to sing of the low point, the important thing is that the songwriter (or psalmist) was aware of God’s concern. Notice the confident refrain "His Mercy Endures For Ever". That is to say, God’s Love Never Quits On Us. People may come and go but God is the same today, yesterday and forever. God looks out for God's children, and perfects those things that concern them (Psa. 138). At our lowest moments God will hear our songs of lament, and our cries of "Lord, do not pass us by".
Therefore, don't doubt for one second if anyone is concerned about you. All you need to do is remember a bloody cross and a sacrificial savior who died for our sin, sorrows and situation (ISA 53). God's love is forever, and God will never quit on you or me!
Prayer:
Father I stretch my hands to you no other help I know (Psa.88:9). Thank you for never giving up on me and always being concerned about my well being. Even when I am faithless, you are faithful (2 Tim 2:13). You never forget my name, and you remind me of my worth and value to you. If my issue never changes, just knowing that you are concerned keeps me at peace. Into your hands I place my life and purpose. In Jesus' name Amen.
God's peace and Good journey!
+t. anthony bronner
Originally published June 17th,2010
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