A Resort Like No Other

“Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.” (Ps 71:3 AV)

 

Previously, we looked at the writer seeking a rock that was higher than he.  We discovered he was seeking a place with God wherein he could live above his circumstances.  He wanted a different perspective on his situation of life.  He didn’t want to be a victim.  He wanted to seek God’s presence wherein he could leave his circumstances with God while still participating in them to ease them or bring them to a conclusion.  Now, we see a writer asking for a continual and strong habitation.  We know what the word ‘resort’ means.  We see them all the time.  However, the deeper meaning is lost.  When we see a resort, we see a vacation spot.  We see all the extras that come with the room.  We see a spa.  We see a golf course.  We see a weight room, a lounge, or a library.  Many times, there are restaurants associated with the resort.  What we fail to realize is the word means ‘to come in’.  The idea of the word above is to leave one’s surroundings and come into better ones.  Not merely a sleepover or a temporary and inadequate respite.  Rather, the idea comes from the perspective of the one offering the resort and not the one availing himself of it.  There is an invitation and the nature of the resort is attractive.  The idea of the word is not that the one resorting is compelled to do so out of desperation.  Rather, he is drawn to it because of desire.

There was a time when my wife worked for a family resort.  She was a receptionist and secretary.  It was one of those water parks.  It was a very nice place, indeed.  When we moved from one state to another, the resort gave us a free night so that we could pack out, stay the night, and travel the next day.  It was a wonderful room.  However, when I entered the lobby, I couldn’t help but notice how much it catered to entertainment rather than relaxation.  It was a waterpark destination so there were pools everywhere.  There were also arcades and fast food-type venues.  The biggest thing I noticed was the atmosphere was information overload.  There was neon everywhere.  There were competing pa systems blaring different music.  The arcades were spaced a bit apart, but the noise coming from them was almost unbearable.  I couldn’t get to my room fast enough.  There were kids in bathing suits running all over the place.  The floors were drenched.  Parents were chasing after soaking-wet little rug rats.  It amazed me how anyone could call this a resort.  There was nothing relaxing about it.  It would be one of those places that wore you out so that when vacation time was over, you needed another vacation to get over that one.

Our writer wants a place in the presence of God where that which the world sends our way can be left behind.  He wants a strong place.  He wants a fortress.  He wants a place where God is and everything else is not.  He wants a quiet place.  He wants a welcoming place.  He doesn’t need stimulation.  He has too much already.  He wants a place where he and God can meet and nothing else can disturb.  He wants to be there continually.  Our writer wants to walk with God in such a way that life becomes secondary to his existence.  Our Psalmist sees anything that would keep him from sweet communion with God as an intrusion.  He doesn’t want the neon.  He doesn’t want the noise.  He wants a true resort.  One wherein the sweet voice of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit cannot be molested.  Cleland B McAfee wrote a song that appears in many hymnals. The lyrics are as follows:  “There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God; A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God. // Refrain: O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God; Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God. // There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; // A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God. // There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God; A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.”

A Tight Grip

“O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.” (Ps 66:8-9 AV)

 

The word soul can have several meanings.  Most of the time it means the inner man.  Rarely, it means a breathing creature.  When the writer states God holds his soul in life, he is not suggesting God is promising to keep us alive no matter the situation.  This would obviously be wrong.  Because of Adam’s sin, all people will die.  That is, all those who do not make it to the rapture.  God cannot promise something that would violate His own word.  So, what is it that the psalmist says God is doing here?  The feet here are the steps of life.  This promise is a promise of God’s divine presence, purpose, and strength for those who place their trust in Him for their entire lives.  It doesn’t matter what we face, God promises to keep us in the hollow of His hand, strengthen us, and show us purpose for the situation.  God will never abandon.  He will never retreat.  He will never neglect.  He will hold our souls in the palm of His hand in life, and death.

I can honestly attest to the reality of the statement above.  Over the years, I have seen many people go through very difficult situations in life.  I have seen financial collapse, health issues, marital collapse, suicide, and death.  I have seen people suffer from the most horrific of life experiences.  It has been my pleasure to be there for them and have witnessed, more than once, the amazing grace of God carry those through their hardships with strength and purpose no one could have seen coming.  It still amazes me when God meets someone in their time of deepest need and the trouble which surrounds them seems almost minor.  Whether it is the death of a child, an unfaithful spouse, or a diagnosis that could only lead to one inevitable conclusion, the LORD seems to carry those involved through on miraculous wings of grace.  But it wasn’t until our cancer journey started a few years back that I began to understand just how powerful the grace of God can be.  When the psalmist says God holds our souls in life, he isn’t kidding.  When we cannot go another step, God is there.  It is hard to explain.  There is a supernatural strength that gets us through these times that seems surreal, yet normal.  The Holy Spirit does not allow us to go down a spiral.  He keeps us calm and assured us that everything is under control.   The LORD has it all in His grasp.

I would like to say that I can handle anything that would now come my way, but I wouldn’t be so brash to test that theory.  What I do now is that if the past grace which I experienced is any indication, I am sure God can get me through whatever the future might hold.  When David states the LORD holds his soul in life, he earnestly declares that God has him safe in His hand and even though life will have its bumps along the way, there is a God greater than anything we could ever face.  He will bring us through it.  He will show us a purpose.  And His presence will grow even closer as we learn to rest in Him.

Higher, Ever Higher

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Ps 61:1-2 AV)

 

The definition of ‘overwhelmed’ is a good one.  It means to be covered with a shroud; to clothe in darkness so as to languish.  What a great description of being overwhelmed.  We are overburdened to the point we have no hope.  Our circumstances begin to dictate our environment and outlook.  When we are covered in a dark shroud, no outlook will make things any better.  David seeks something higher than himself.  That is to what my attention is drawn.  Metaphorically, this rock could be several things.  The word means a place of refuge.  Some believe it to be God Himself.  Others still, a place of different circumstances that gives the writer hope, despite what overwhelmed him.  Either way, the request is easy to understand.  Yet, there is a nugget here.

First, let us note that David wants a rock higher than himself.  This would suggest David considered himself a rock of sorts.  He considers himself as part, if not all, of the answer to his overwhelming circumstances.  He thinks this even though he knows he isn’t.  This is why he is overwhelmed.  David has put all the pressure on himself to deal with the circumstances of life.  This is why he is overwhelmed.  He cannot.  They are too much.  In asking for a rock that is higher than him, he has struck on the issue at hand.  The circumstances are overwhelming because he is the answer to them.  If God is in control, there are no circumstances too overwhelming.  In the request we see David come to the end of his own strength and begin to depend on God.

Some commentators make the connection of a valley as opposed to a cliff or rocky refuge.  They make the comparison to a commander of an army stuck in a valley covered by the weather.  He is stuck there, open to an enemy’s attack with little or no recourse.  The rock that is higher is a battlement above the fray.  It is a place of refuge where the commander and his forces can retreat to that the threat may exist on its own.  The valley is still there.  The circumstances haven’t changed.  Rather, the commander chooses to live above his circumstances.  He chooses to dwell in the safety of God’s presence and allow Him to deal with the circumstances.  He does not want to be victim to something that is all controlling and has become the very definition of his existence.

David is not running from his problems.  He is not abdicating his responsibilities.  David is seeking a different reference point by which he can clearly see the problem and allow God to supply the answer.  He is choosing to rise above it and allow God to be his strength.  David is leaving his own self-dependence down in the valley and seeks God to lead him to a place where he has left it with God and is sitting on victory’s ground.  David does not want his circumstances to control him.  We want the LORD to control the circumstances.  David’s request here is a good one.  One that we must seek when life becomes too much.  These things might not change.  They certainly will not on their own.  It is that place of refuge God provides that makes life easier to take.  It is His presence and the comfort we receive in knowing there is nothing too hard of God that keeps us going.  It is that Rock that is higher than us that spurs us on to fight the fight; to walk the walk; to take flight like the eagles; to finish our course.

My Crown

“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.” (Pr 12:4 AV)

 

When a regal steps into a crowd, his crown is the first thing people notice.  When he enters the court, it is the crown that draws attention.  Without it, the sovereign would be ordinary.  There is a difference between prince Charles and King Charles.  Scheduled for May the sixth of next year, no doubt there will be much pomp and circumstance.  As the archbishop of Canterbury places the crown upon the brow of Charles, that will be the moment most will remember.  The crown, St. Edward’s crown, was made in 1661 and is part of the crown jewels collection.  It will be worn for the coronation and then returned to its secure place.  From that time forward, the king will wear a second crown for state affairs and such.  When one looks at these crowns, one cannot help but be impressed.  There are literally thousands of precious stones and 24-carat gold that makes up these pieces.  To say they are valuable would be an understatement.  When Charles is crowned, I guarantee you all eyes will be on that crown.  And that is the only thing people will notice.

I can attest to the truth above.  When my wife and I walk into a room, it is she who is noticed.  Lisa becomes the expression of our family.  It is not only her personality.  She is an outgoing and bubbly person.  It is hard to be in a room and not notice her.  Her personality is not overbearing.  She does not draw attention because she seeks it.  When she is in the midst of people, they are drawn to her.  It doesn’t matter what age or status someone might be.  From a little two-year-old to someone well advanced in years, it is more common than not that others are conversing with her.  For the first few years of our marriage, I was introduced and Lisa’s husband, what's-his-name.  One would think she draws attention because of her personality.  That would be partly true.  More so than not, it is her character and wisdom which draws others.  It is her eternal optimism and fearlessness from which others draw strength.  She is indeed an incredible person.  I can definitely say it is her virtue that people notice.  Lisa is not perfect.  No one is.  But she is about as close to it as you can get.  I am honored to have her as my wife.  There isn’t a more virtuous or beautiful person God ever created.  And I have the privilege to call her my love.

I have been reminded of how incredible of a person my wife is.  She is beyond remarkable.  Her strength is what I always imagined it would be.  Her joy is never defeated.  She loves life, loves her family, and loves the LORD with all her heart.  There hasn’t been a day in our thirty-five years of marriage in which I can say I was ever uneasy about her.  She has my complete and unabated trust.  She has never, not once, caused me any harm.  Not privately.  And certainly not publicly.  Lisa is as perfect at they come.  This is why when we enter a room, people notice her before they notice me.  She is like St. Edward’s crown.  When she comes into the room, they don’t see me.  They see her.  As it should be!

Fight or Flight? Both!

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.” (Ps 55:6-7 AV)

 

When we think of David, the picture of a mighty warrior comes to mind.  We think of someone who is not intimidated by anything.  He faced down Goliath.  He out-foxed Saul.  He faced down several kings and defeated Jerusalem, converting it to Jewish territory.  David conquered Edom, Moab, and several other neighboring territories, giving Israel peace internally and externally.  When we think of David, we think of someone who isn’t phased by the least internal turmoil over the actions of others.  We see him escaping the deception of his first wife.  We read of him patiently waiting on God to deal with Nabal.  When Absalom rebelled, we noted a stalwart King retiring to a safe place with those who supported him, resigned to the will of God yet knowing God would honor His promises.  What we do not often see is the description of events that describe what he feels above.  This man of courage and integrity wants to run away.  He wants to leave everything behind and settle in a place where life cannot touch him.  He wants to abandon all that God has for him in exchange for an end to his current troubles.  Reading this, I am reminded of the apple of God’s eye feeling defeated and resigned and it comforts my heart.  If a man like David can feel this way, I guess when the time of life brings me to this point, I can permit myself to feel this way, too.

What David did not do was allow himself to permanently act on these feelings.  He may have fled from Saul, but he did so to keep himself safe.  He fled that he might, one day, take the throne.  David did not flee from Absalom because he felt like giving up.  He fled to protect the promises of God.  If Absalom were to kill David, the covenant made to him would have ceased.  David’s integrity was part of his decision-making process.  David did not cash it all in and go on permanent retirement.  Rather, despite his feelings, he remained committed to his duty and responsibility.  David did not allow his feelings of surrender to dictate what he was going to do.  He stayed engaged.  He remained active.  He may have escaped the immediate trouble, but he did not retreat to a state of non-engagement.  He took a much-needed rest.  He found safe places.  He took a few moments to catch his breath.  He fled like a bird into the wilderness, but he didn’t build a nest.  He may have relocated, but it was only temporary.  There was still a kingdom to run.  There was still a throne to occupy.  There were still enemies to conquer.  There remained a family to raise.

Every time I read those two verses, I cannot help but feel a bit the same way.  Sometimes more so than others.  There are times when I wish the rapture would happen yesterday.  If our nation continues its downward spiral, the day will come when this preacher may lose his freedom to pursue God’s call.  It is a simple fact of human history.  There may come a time when the saint can no longer openly profess Christ without fear of legal retribution.  At these times we will feel as David felt.  This is normal.  This is acceptable.  However, how we choose to respond when we do feel this way will be the measure of our character.  Will we remain engaged even if our hearts are far from it?  Will we promise to serve the LORD faithfully even though our feelings entice us to do something different?  As we wish for the rapture of the church because the world is getting ever more wicked, will we still seek to win and disciple the lost?  It is so nice to know that someone with far more courage than I can feel as I do.  Now I know that I am normal.  But, what I do while I have those feelings will determine the depth of integrity God has granted.  How about you?

The Gathering

“Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.” (Ps 50:5-6 AV)

 

There is a load of doctrine in these two verses.  There is the prophecy of the rapture.  There is the declared truth that saints are so because a sacrifice was made.  That sacrifice is Jesus Christ.  There is the glorification of the saints in that the heavens will declare the righteousness of God.  The saints attain their righteousness by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.  Then there is the eventual trial that all of mankind will endure.  These two verses verify that God gathers His saints prior to any large-scale judgment upon mankind.  This precedent was set with Noah.  The first time God judged mankind is recorded in Genesis 6-9.  Before God could send forth rain, Noah and his family had to be gathered into the Ark.  This event is the one Abraham cites as a precedent that Job and his family should be spared rather than see Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed.  The LORD brought out Lot and his family prior to sending fire and brimstone to consume these two wicked cities.  Peter mentions that judgment must begin at the house of God, first.  He alludes to Lot as a type of raptured church that will be brought out before the wrath of God descends on Earth.  We can look at these two verses, and if we have the sacrifice of Jesus as our payment for sin, can rejoice in our future gathering.

It is this gathering which I wish to muse on this morning.  I come from a very large family.  I have ten brothers and sisters.  We are or have been, all married and most of us have had children.  Several, in fact.  I lost count when the grandchildren approached fifty.  Some of us have had grandchildren ourselves.  There was a time when we all gathered for Thanksgiving dinner.  My Mom hosted this event at her house while we were rather young.  Over time, with marriages and children, our venue moved from a home to a conference room.  From a conference room to a larger fellowship all with a full kitchen.  What a time!  There is something to be said for family gatherings.  My earliest recollection of a family holiday gathering was at my Great Uncle’s church.  He was an Episcopalian minister in the Buffalo, NY area.  I think he was my grandfather’s brother.  Anyway, I remember it because the adults were smart in that they organized party games and contests for the children to participate in.  That way, we were not running around out of control.  I remember stepping on a short stepladder and dropping wooden clothespins into a milk bottle.  I remember it so well because I won it!  But I also remember the room.  For a church, it was different.  It reminds me of the room Scrooge worked in as a young adult as an apprentice for a clothier.  Wood beams that sloped from either direction.  I also remember I discovered a love for sweet pickles, cream cheese stuffed celery sticks, a dill pickles.  Most of all, I remember my siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents all gathering in one place to celebrate a holiday and enjoy the company of family.

Over time, my siblings and I have scattered to the four corners of our nation.  Gathering together isn’t a reality anymore.  We all have our own families.  We cannot travel as we used to.  Assembling into one place is logistically impossible.  I miss it.  One of these days, the trumpet will blow or our earthly house we shut down.  One way or another, we will gather together in the unity of the Spirit and praise God for all of eternity.  There will be no more parting.  There will be no more sad goodbyes.  Forever and forever we will be with those who have trusted Christ as our sacrifice.  We will ring joys unspeakable.  We will shout with a shout that makes thunder seem like a whisper.  We will forever be united in the glory of the presence of God and share in eternal bliss which only glory can reveal.  There will be a gathering.  It is coming.  Perhaps sooner than we think.

Please, Lord, Flip The Switch

“O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” (Ps 43:3 AV)

 

When the word of God metaphorically uses the word ‘light’ it could mean several things.  Sometimes the word means truth.  However, here truth is separate from ‘light’.  Light can also mean life.  Both physical and spiritual.  Light can mean hope.  Light can mean the zeal of life.  Light can have a host of meanings but in the above verse, because there is a distinction between light and truth with the word ‘and’, we know our fellow saint means more than asking God to send out the truth.  The Hebrew word for ‘light’ as used above means literal light.  The light of day.   Sunlight.  Moonlight.  The light of stars of other luminaries.  Secondarily, the word means the light of life; the light of prosperity; the light of instruction; the light of face; or Israel as the means by which the light of truth goes to other nations.  In verse two, the writer complains about the persecution from other nations.  He is trodden down of spirit.  Therefore, the light spoken of here is the light of strength and hope.  David knows that he cannot come into the presence of God without strength, hope, and the truth.  Of this light, David seeks an abundance.

We’ve all been in a situation where we knew something had to be done and we were the only ones who could do it, yet we simply didn’t have the strength or enthusiasm to think it could be done.  We looked at the task and knew it had to be completed, but we simply didn’t think we had the ability to get it done.  Then something happened.  Somewhere, somehow, we applied ourselves one step at a time and the job got done.  When we started, we were discouraged and hopeless.  When completed, we stood amazed at what was just accomplished.  When I think of this, I go back to the snows of my childhood.  Recently, my home state was on the national news because they had received seven feet of snow in less than three days.  That is a lot of snow.  A friend of mine and I were talking about living in that kind of weather and he could not fathom having to see seven feet of snow with drifts five feet higher than that.  When you are a teenager and the snow is as high as you are, the task of removing it is overwhelming, to say the least.  It doesn’t take long at all for a young man to give up.

Sometimes, it is not so much knowing what to do as it is having the strength and enthusiasm to get it done.  Sometimes it is not so much understanding the battle and the choices which lay before us as it is having the fortitude to make it happen.  It has been shared with me that weariness is often a gateway to failure.  When we are strong and ready for battle, temptation is easily turned aside.  It is when the battle has weakened us that temptation becomes harder to resist.  When the enemy is constantly harassing us, we can get worn down and relent because there is little to no strength within.  David certainly felt this way.  The enemies of his throne had worn him down to the point he couldn’t be motivated to draw close to God.  It is at this point we must pray for strength.  Perhaps not the strength of the body.  Rather, the strength of soul and spirit.