March 25, 2013 Sing for Joy

Read Psalms 137 - 139 Sing for Joy Ps 137:4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? & Ps 139:5 You hem me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. PSALM 137 was written and sung when Israel was in captivity in Babylon. The writer mourns the people’s separation from their home and from their temple. Babylon threatens their family structure, their culture and their worship. How can there be any joy? How can they sing the songs of the LORD and to the LORD when they are in a foreign land? The answer is in Psalm 139:5. Centuries earlier in Israel’s history, the psalmist—David—wrote and sang of God’s great protection. God is before him and behind him. God’s hand is on him, and he feels secure in God’s care even though he is often challenged and threatened by his enemies. It’s easy, isn’t it, to feel separated from God? We live in a culture that actually encourages us to “leave God” and go into a “foreign land” of our own strength and wisdom—which really is weakness and foolishness away from God. We search for peace and joy away from God, and we find none. Living in a “foreign land” separates us from God’s ways, and we lose our way. Then we wonder, “How can we sing the songs of the LORD?” because we feel so far from our home with God. Know this: God is near. He is ready to surround you with his love. When you turn from the “foreign land” that denies him and decide to turn to Him, His firm, strong and gentle hand is ready to welcome you back home into his presence. Trust in God and go to the life he has for you. It’s True! Go to God, and you will see the joy of his protection.