Psalm 79
Isaiah 27
Another psalm of lament. ‘Terrible things are happening, Lord!’... and
the very real heart-cry ‘How long, O Lord?’ One can sense the psalmist’s
desperation, and it seems to come not just from his own misfortune, but from
seeing God mocked. This, he feels is far from the way things ought to be. The
sentiments could be taken from reading today’s newspapers, from reading of
Christians’ persecution in many countries, or in listening to the stories of
some with whom we share our church and our city. Yet there really is hope.
Isaiah describes how God will gather His people (v12-13) and even in the storms
we face, after the last few days’ readings we should know that we can rest in
the everlasting arms of love. A very honest and very beautiful description of
this trusting relationship is to be heard in this song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCh-_ktGvMA - just click the link. If you don’t like the music at least read the
telling words,
“Storms will come and storms will go.
I wonder just how many storms it takes until I finally know
You’re here always,
Even when my skies are far from grey (I take this as meaning worse than
grey)
I can stay,
Teach me to stay there,
In the place I’ve found where I can hide,
It’s safe inside your arms of love”
Stop at 3’18” if you like but have a listen.
(member of a homegroup)