Psalm 44:1-8 (NIV)
1 We have heard it with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
2 With your hand you drove out the nations
and planted our ancestors;
you crushed the peoples
and made our ancestors flourish.
3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.
4 You are my King and my God,
who decrees victories for Jacob.
5 Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.
6 I put no trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
7 but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.
8 In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever.
The Psalmist begins with "We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us
ReplyDeletewhat you did in their days, in days long ago." and ends with "In God we make our boast all day long,and we will praise your name forever." In between these two verses are words describing a very personal story. A story of a pit, a burden, a hopelessness, a dependence, and a a rescue.
My first thoughts after reading these verses were of lyrics to an old hymn we used to sing when I was growing up. It wasn't my favorite. It was to simple, almost boring. But we sang it and the lyrics ring true in my mind this morning.
"O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" was written in 1793 by Charles Wesley to commenorate the first anniversary of the day he surrendered his life to Christ......his "in between" story.
It's important to remember where we were, 10 years ago, last week, yesterday and celebrate God's provision and deliverence. Take time to celebrate and praise the Almighty Father, the Prince of Peace!
I'll leave you with a youtube link to "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." While there are a few newer versions of the hymn....this is my personal response to my "in the middle".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=panMMw1tijQ
Here are the lyrics:
ReplyDelete1. O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!
2. My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life, and health, and peace.
4. He breaks the power of canceled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.
5. He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.
6. Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your savior come,
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
7. In Christ, your head, you then shall
know, shall feel your sins forgiven;
anticipate your heaven below,
and own that love is heaven.