Haunting Thoughts: Psalm 106

Psalm 106 begins like so many of the others, a call for thanks and praise for who God is and what He as done [1-3]. In verses 4-5 the psalmist recites a personal plea for God to remember him with favor, which led him into a prayer of corporate confession of sin: not just for the sins of the past generation, but of those living now.

“6 We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.”

He then remembers how God in His mercy and grace saved them from the attacking army and delivered them:

“8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness. 10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.”

When the threat was gone, they praised the Lord. But their focus was more on getting relief from their suffering than on praising God’s power and grace.

“11 The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.”

Because their focus was on relief from suffering and hardship more than God and His goodness and grace, when the suffering stopped, they soon forgot all that God had done, and their focus returned to their pleasure and comfort. When they desired the meat and could only remember the “good times” of the past, they complained to God. However, God’s response this time was different:

“13 They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel, 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.”

God gave them what they desired, but because their focus was not really on Him, He allowed them to attempt to fill their desires with that which could not be satisfied, resulting in a “leanness in their soul.” The word “leanness” here can also mean “wasting disease,” but the basic result is the same: God was allowing them to experience the result of their desire and focus. Their hope and trust were in something that could not bring the results they so desired.  

This passage sends cold chills down my spine, for how many times in times of difficulty do I focus on my desire not to have to suffer and cry out to God? How many times are we, as God’s people, more concerned with personal comfort than allowing God to reshape our nature and character after His? Regardless of the difficulty, nothing would be worth God giving us over to our “desire” but allowing the “leanness of our souls.”

Knowing that God’s desire for us to develop holiness is greater than just personal comfort is a daunting thought. Notice in the psalm that it was preceded by a time of thanks and praise– but they soon forgot. Regardless of how great our songs of praise and worship are, if we do not keep focusing on God and what He desires, then we too will “soon forget.” We will fall back into complaining and longing for “the better times.” I believe that it is even possible that God may send temporary relief that would only reveal that our true focus was not on Him, but on ourselves and we would be left with the leanness of our desires and not Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

What is the remedy? What can we do? [1] Recognize as the psalmist did that some of their problems were of their own making, – they had sinned. [2] Confess sin, that is, see these thoughts, motives, and actions as God does: that which is contrary to His divine plan and will for our lives. [3] Repent: With the power of the Holy Spirit, turn our complaining into focusing on who God is and what He has done. [4] Remember: God desires that we reflect His nature and character so that the witness of His Spirit in us is not diminished or hindered and we bring Him glory.

What do we do with our desires and dreams that are good? In talking with my wife, Kathy, a godly woman with great insight, she stated it this way: Rather than try to force our way to realize our desires or do whatever it takes, we need to surrender these into God's hands and if He chooses to give it to us it will be at the right time and for His glory. If He chooses not to, we can know it was for our good and His glory. 

God's blessings.

Quick thoughts on growing older…

 Quick thoughts…

I was lamenting how age is affecting my body, and so many other aspects of the “me” I have understood for so many years, and in His kindness and mercy, God reminded me of the Zinias in our backyard. They were so beautiful for so long, and now they are barren, almost dead. Yet their purpose is not over, for out of their wilted blooms are  seeds we will use to plant again. We, too, are here only for limited time, to bloom and reflect God’s glory and purpose, but it does not end there, for we must be making seeds to pass on after we are gone.

Helps for Worship Leaders from Colossians 3:1-17

Context: The theme of Paul’s letter

Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae was written from prison to address heresies, after being informed by Epaphras, who started the church. Among the heresies Paul addressed was an inferior view of Christ, philosophies not built on Christ, legalistic observation of traditions, considering the body evil, and false teachers claiming to have special insight above Scripture. Chapters 1 & 2 deal with the theological issues mentioned and 3 and 4 with practical exhortations of living out God’s truth. [CSB Study Bible Commentary] The focus of this study will center on 3:1-17, how believers are to reflect Christlike character in their daily lives. {This study was inspired by Mike Harland's message at the SBC Church Music Conference, in 2024. I am so grateful for his insights and example he continues to live.}

 

I. A New Life [Colossians 3:1-4]

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

 

Highlights:

“So if” = “Since” ➔ “raised with Christ,” our position now is “in Christ”; however our person is still in the process of becoming like Him. We are saved but are becoming like Him.

“Seek” = a choice, an act of the will; then he explains what we should seek.

“Set your minds,” emphasis is on “how,” The focus is changing how we think which leads to a change of actions.  Remember Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Our true and proper worship that pleases God consists of our offering our lives to God, based on God’s mercy and grace. As this occurs, we are transformed as we renew our minds and thoughts in Christ as we worship.

“For you died” = “why,” we are no longer what we were, but now have eternal life with Christ and will be with Him in glory.

 

II. Therefore: Put Off [Colossians 3:5-11]

5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. 8 But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. 11 In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

               

Highlights:

“Therefore:” because of your new life in Christ.

“Put to death” = a choice, an act of the will. Sexual sins, evil desires, & greed which are idolatry. How are these things “idolatry?” [If we build our lives on pleasing ourselves we are worshiping ourselves, our focus in on us.]

“Put away” = a choice; “Anger” inward feeling, “wrath” external expression, “slander” truth with the intent of hurt; “do not lie”   All of these were evident in their lives before knowing Christ, now their lives must be different.

“You are being renewed” The change is a process, as we grow in the knowledge of Christ and apply it to our lives   “In Christ there is not...”: Old prejudices and natures are not now how we identify who we are, but our relationship in Christ.

Though we are “new creatures” in Christ, the old nature, and the previous sinful desires still exist and are constantly at war with our new nature. Part of “being renewed” is the continued choice of following Christ and not choosing the follow the old ways before we knew Christ. The process is ongoing throughout our lives and culminates in heaven with Christ. Paul’s focus here is what to “put off;” what follows is what needs to be “put on.”

 

III. Therefore: Put On [Colossians 3:12-17]

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Highlights:

“Therefore put on” = active act of the will.   Must accompany the “put off;” simply trying to stop something will not work, we must put something in its place. Where the previous list was of things that were self-centered, how is this list different? [The focus is not on pleasing self, but on the needs of others.]

“Bearing one another”  Paul knew that there would be conflicts, etc., but that the unity of the body was key to growth. 

forgiving one another” Forgiveness is releasing to God the desired vengeance we want on those who offend us. Christ forgave us by taking on our sins on the cross; in forgiveness, we realize that no one could ever do to us a sin greater than we had done against the sinless Son of God, and then release those offenses to Him. Forgiveness does not mean, “forgive and forget, that there are no consequences or acceptance of sinful behavior. Forgiveness is not a feeling we have, but an act of releasing the deserved punishment of the offender to God for Him to handle. It is an act of will; feelings will catch up. We are not to live by feelings, but by faith.  How can we? Look at Paul's words: Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  God forgave us completely, even though we did not deserve it. He restored fellowship. He chose to do so, He was not driven by feelings; that’s how we are to forgive. Notice that Paul anticipated that there would be conflicts among the brethren that would require “bearing one another” and “forgiving one another. 

 

“Put on love” unity in the body is impossible without love, which will result in “peace” and thankfulness. Love is not a feeling but a commitment. It is a choice, an act of the will. We act in obedience, “in Christ’s love” and most of the time our feelings will catch up. It is no coincidence that the command to “put on love” follows “bearing one another and forgiving one another.” Choosing to do so is an act of love. This will result in “the peace of Christ.”

“And be thankful” Thanksgiving is a thread that ties all these things together. Expressing our thanksgiving can help us respond as we have been called to respond, and bear one another as we are supposed to. Our gratitude to God for His forgiveness towards us can help us forgive others. Surely, no one has done to us anything as great as we have done against God: it was for our sin that Christ suffered and died. Like love, thanksgiving is a choice, one that literally can help restructure how we think. Worship cannot exist without gratitude

 

“Let the word of Christ dwell” Paul does not change the subject here, but is outlining a way in which we can accomplish what he has commanded and the practical aspects of living and working with other believers. God’s Word must become an integral part of all we are, not just casual readings for encouragement. Visitors only stay a while, however, if we invite them to come to live with us, sleep in our house, and eat with our family for an extended period, then they are “dwelling” with us; they are becoming part of the family. Paul is commanding us to make the Word an intimate part of our lives. As we fill our minds with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will use it to renew our thoughts and minds.

 

How do we do that? “in all wisdom” Not a random throwing of things together, but by teaching and admonishing one another. Wisdom requires that we know the Word, teach it to others, and do so in a way that encourages them along the way. Not in a way that is to impress them with how much we know, but in a way that they find joy in growing more like Jesus and following His commands.

 

How can we do that? Paul gives an unexpected answer: through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts Don’t get lost in trying to make fine-line distinctions between these three. Psalms seem obvious, and we think we understand what “hymns” are, but we need biblical context to clarify. The word for “hymns” here is the same one used in Matthew 26:30 when after the Last Supper, they sang a “hymn” and went to the Mount of Olives. Because this was a Passover meal, they would have followed what was traditionally done, part of which was to sing out of the Psalms. Many scholars believe that they would have been singing from Psalm 118, which begins with “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.” If you follow the Psalm to verse 24, you find Jesus singing “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Contemplate those words as Jesus was facing the torture and the cross. All this is to say, “hymn” in this context is not a song out of a book, but was just another way of referring to a “psalm.” Spiritual songs were songs that were ones that would just spring out of the heart from the Holy Spirit in praise to God. The point of the three listed in Col. 3:16 is meant to be inclusive: All that we sing, regardless of the type must be instrumental in putting God’s Word in our hearts, minds, and lives.

 

Notice the direction to who the songs are directed: singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. All we sing must fulfill the purpose of building God’s Word in our lives and is done to praise and honor God in a spirit of gratitude.  Paul underscores this in verse 17: And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Thanksgiving can help bring about unity as we focus on God’s goodness and greatness, more than our selfish desires.  We can express our thankfulness by singing the Word of God, the message of the Gospel through the songs we sing. And just in case we might have forgotten something, Paul concludes with “and whatever you do...” do it as if Christ, Himself were doing it and give thanks. Paul & Silas give the example when in chains in jail at Phillipi: they were singing and praising God, so powerful was their singing that after the earthquake, the other prisoners did not leave and the prison guard gave his life to Christ. This is the power of singing God’s Word in praise and thanksgiving.

 

So what? This is good information, but what do I do now?

1. The focus of our growth in Christ is choosing to refocus the way we think to conform to Christ’s nature & character.

2. Choosing God’s way is an act of the will that not just rejects an older lifestyle that was contrary to Christ’s nature, but instead replaces it with responses that reflect His compassion, bearing one another, and forgiveness.

3. As we change our responses from selfish ones to loving ones, the body of Christ finds unity and peace.

4. Our worship must center itself around our gratitude for who Christ is and what He has done, not our desires.

5. The songs we sing must deepen our knowledge of God’s Word, singing with a grateful heart.

6. Examine how you relate to others; does it exemplify what Paul lists in verse 12: “put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another” ?         

 

How can worship leadership do this?

1. Review the songs to be sung, asking the question, “How does this song glorify God and put God’s Word in our hearts?

2. Check songs for theological or questionable theology. We must know what God’s Word teaches to do this.

3. Ask ourselves the reason why are we singing this song. “Is our choice driven more by the fact we like the music or its teaching?”

4. Review what is being taught through the music during the year. Organize the list according to topics. “Are there areas of teaching that are missing?”

5. Plan how songs are rotated, how new songs are introduced, and how often repeated. It generally takes several times before a “new” song can be sung by the congregation easily. Singing new songs every week will keep them from singing. Worship Teams practice the songs so much that it is easy for them to forget that the congregation does not know them that well.

6. Are the songs congregationally friendly, that is, are they easy for the congregation to sing; not too high or low?

7. Schedule a time when you evaluate what is sung.

8. Involve younger players and singers as a means of training in leading and the process of reviewing songs for worship.

9. Leadership must regularly do a self-evaluation to review their motives, how they are leading, and their general emotional health.

10. Each leader should have a personal spiritual health check every year, checking on emotional health as well as personal spiritual growth.

 

Resources:

Cherry, Constance. The Worship Architect, Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing, 2010.

Kauflin, Bob. Worship Matters. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008.

Putman, Rhyme. The Method of Christian Theology: A Basic Introduction.  Nashville: B & H Academic, 2021. 

Putman, Rhyme. When Doctrine Divides the People of God. Wheaton: Crossway, 2020.

Scazzero, Pete. The Emotionally Healthy Leader. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015.

Scazzero, Pete. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2021.

Sharp, Michael, and Argile Smith. Holy Gathering: A Leader’s Guide for Engaging the Congregation in Corporate Worship. Denver, CO: Outskirts Press, Inc., 2009.

Steele, Ed. Worship HeartCries: Personal Preparation for Corporate Worship. 2nd ed. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2016.

When things are bad and God seems far away... Psalm 77

Some thoughts that helped me this morning during my time with the Lord and I pray might be for you as well:

1. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. 3 I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

At times we find ourselves in deep anguish, circumstances change, those we love may be suffering beyond our capacity to understand, or even in our attempts to be obedient things just seem to get worse. The psalmist was going through one of those times, though we don’t know exactly why.  Sometimes we pray and... nothing. We pray and we just seem weaker. “Selah” could mean several things, from a musical interlude to pausing to reflect; regardless, let’s do just that: Pause and reflect on a situation in your life right now that might fit the psalmist’s words.  

4 You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. 5 I consider days of old, years long past. 6 At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. 7 “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? 8 Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah

It’s time to stop and pause again. Memories of days when God was so real; memories of his songs of praise seem to get lost a feeling that God has changed. Discouragement can twist our understanding of God’s nature and make us even question God’s motives. The Psalmist then gives us hope:

10 So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” 11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. 13 God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. 15 With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

First, he is honest about how he feels and what he is thinking, but he doesn’t just stop there. Then, though he is confused that God seems to be responding differently, by an act of will he chooses to focus on the work of God: “I will remember,” “I will reflect..” These are more than just future actions; they are conscious decisions that change the focus of his thinking.  He begins to focus on God’s nature from God's works: “God, your way is holy.”  We are encouraged to “Pause and reflect again.” When things seem to be completely chaotic, stop; go ahead and state what you are feeling, but then ask yourself, “What is the truth of God in this situation?” “What do I know is true about God, regardless?” He is in control. He is love and loves you and those you love; even those we do not love. God has a plan and we can trust Him to do what is right, even when we cannot see it right now.

16 The water saw you, God. The water saw you; it trembled. Even the depths shook. 17 The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. 19 Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The Psalmist finishes the psalm focusing on God’s great acts in the past, showing His complete control over all. Notice that God led the Israelites “through the sea” not around it. Even when God’s “footprints were unseen,” it doesn’t mean that God was not there: We can be assured that God is with us, always. Let’s “pause and reflect" on Who God is and What He has done and is doing; then thank and praise Him!

Seven Interesting Parallels in the book of Judges and the Present

 1. Failure to work together and giving up when things get tough. Once the individual tribes received their allotment, there still were areas to conquer. Though a few of the tribes joined together to help each other, most attempted to go it alone and only had limited success and gave up. [Judges 1:19, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34.] 

 2. Failure to teach their children the ways of the Lord. “That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors, After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel.” [Judges 2:10; see also 3:1-4] 

 3. They cried out to God only when they thought they needed Him. When suffering the consequences of their idolatry at the hands of their enemies, they would cry out to God, who in mercy and grace would send a leader. Their desire to be released from their suffering was greater than their desire to seek and follow God. [A major theme throughout the book.] 

 4. Weaknesses of the leaders led them to worship the trappings of victory, rather than the God of victory. After Gideon’s triumph, the people began to worship the ephod he had made, rather than the God who had given them the victory. [Judges 8:27] 

 5. Leadership started well but failed to finish well. [Gideon, Judges 8:25-32] 

 6. The people chose leaders who openly violated God's laws, choosing those with the appearance of “strength” rather than Godly character and leadership. [Abimelech-Judges 9, Samson-Judges 13-16] 

 7. The people followed ‘their own truth,” and not God. “In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did whatever seemed right to him.” [Judges 17:6, 21:25] 

 So What? 

Rather than culture shaping our beliefs, culture has had a greater influence than the church. We need to embrace the principles given in Scripture. Unfortunately, the Christian community is more recognized for the divisions within and the moral failures of leaders than for living examples of Christ’s teachings. We have failed to show to those outside of the church the difference Christ can make in living with integrity and emotional health. We need to seek and worship God because of Who He is, not just because of what He can do for us, and seek leadership who will do the same. 

Let’s join in prayer and repentance to become all that God calls us to be and share the Gospel that is “good news” for our day and culture. 

Focus: Just a few words of encouragement...

“Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.”   [Exodus 6:9]

Initially, the Israelites recognized Moses was sent from God, that God had heard their cries of suffering and was now going to lead them out of Egypt. But when Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and ask to leave, Pharaoh calls them “slackers” and increases their load of labor, requiring the same quota of bricks, but not giving them the straw to make them. Then, he has their overseers beat them because they are not “keeping up.” 

The people go to Moses complaining, stating that he was the cause of their suffering. Moses goes to God, telling Him that he had obeyed,  Pharaoh’s response and that the people are worse off than before. God assures Moses who “He Is” and tells the Israelites that now they will see the hand of God at work– but they cannot hear or believe because of their pain.

The pain and suffering are real. The blood from the lashes on the backs of the laborers was not an illusion. The hope of deliverance vanished in the hopelessness they saw in the situation.  When we shift our focus from the truth of who God is and His promise to the difficult circumstances we may be experiencing, we will lose hope and discouragement will come.  When we choose to focus on the truth of who God is, we are not denying the gravity of the pain, and the severity of our circumstances, but placing them into the hands of the only one who can really do anything about them. 

Through trusting God amid hurt, we get to know Him in deeper and richer ways: in distress and grief, our Comforter; in confusion, our Rock and Teacher; in sickness, our Healer; in danger, our Shelter.  Leaning on what s the truth of God in our circumstances builds our faith and helps us grow in Him.  

How can we do this?  Here are some ways to begin: 

1. Lay out your hurts and situation before the Lord in prayer. Share your honest feelings and fears, confusion, anger, and hurts to Him. 

2. Recall Who God is, His great works, His love for us that sent Jesus to suffer and die for us; recall His greatness, His mercy, and grace.  

3. Thank Him for Who He Is and that He has not changed. 

4. Give Him, lay before His feet all these feelings, people, situations, —give them all to Him in faith.  

5. Remember Jehoshaphat’s prayer when surrounded by the enemy: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” [2 Chronicles 20:12]. 

6. Thank Him for what He is going to do. Wait and hope in Him. 

7. Remember: You are not alone, He has promised never to leave or forsake us.