Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:11-19
Psalm 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65
Epistle: Romans 1: 1-15
Gospel: John 4: 27-42
Of the various readings suggested for today, I think the one speaking most to me at the moment is Psalm 57.
Life can be difficult sometimes, whether because of things that randomly happen, or as the result of poor choices... or any number of ways we might attempt to describe life and the series of events that make up the “life” of any given person.
I’ve made some pretty stupid mistakes during my 54 years on this planet and NEED to be able to trust that God’s embrace is still there, still gathering me in, offering mercy and love.
Like so many others, I’ve had some devouring lions in my life... but also those sent from Heaven to save me. Chief among the angels sent to guard me is of course my mother, now in her late 80s, but I have also been blessed with some valuable teachers and priceless friends.
One of those friends suggested I visit St. Andrew’s a few decades ago. He was correct in his belief that St. Andrew’s was the right place for me to settle... and what a gift THAT has been to me over these many years.
I remember once being in need of learning to sing something by myself as a solo (before getting to St. Andrew’s) and asking this friend for assistance. He picked out a simple song I had never even heard before. Scared though I was, I trusted my friend and learned the song with his help.
Oddly enough, the words of that song fits with the Psalm I have chosen: “Like a child rests in its mother’s arms, so will I rest in you.”
That was the SECOND thing I remember singing in front of a group solo; but with both bits, friends assisted me to be able to sing the praises of our God and believed in me... and both of those friends have ended up at St. Andrew’s over time also.
So... difficulties along the way or not, as we all have in one manner or another, I give thanks for those that have been sent from Heaven to save me... and remember that even when my voice is shaky, not to forget to sing God’s praises with all the voice I can muster... literally and figuratively.
Harold Warren
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