A song in my heart

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
   my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
   and with my song I praise him. 

Psalm 28:7

Some of the most reassuring verses in the Bible come from the Psalms.  They recite praise, lament injustice, comfort the sick, rejoice in blessing, and celebrate God’s creation.  From birth through joy and hardship, even unto death the Psalms echo our experiences.  Can there be any human experience which is not present in at least one Psalm?    

Each experience, each chapter was written to sing with musical instruments.  Many chapters begin with musical explanations of “A Maskil”, “to the tune of Lillies”, or “to the tune A Dove on Distant Oaks.”  Some were written for a specific person to sing such as the Director of Music, Sons of Korah, David, or Asaph.  Others were written for the congregation as wedding songs, prayer petitions, or songs of ascent.  

It is as though God and the Jewish people knew life could only be fully explained when retold through song.  Music and poetry capture the depth of emotions when simple words will not satisfy.  The blending of music, poetry, and voice into a chord of three strands wraps itself around the human heart, tugging against memories, bringing the joy and pain of life into full view.

What a privilege to stand before the congregation offering the chord of three strands to touch their hearts.  It is a blessing to participate in a choir with so many gifted people, and in a church where music is a vital part of worship.  How could I not sing with joy in my heart?   

Dear Lord, you are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in you, and you help me. My heart leaps for joy, and with songs I praise you.  

Forgiving the Unrepentant

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”    Luke 17:3-5

How do I forgive someone who refuses to repent?  When a coworker constantly gives me dirty-looks?  A relative’s never ending racist jokes.  A sibling’s broken promises.  A drunk, a gossip, a liar.

Jesus tells us to forgive seventy seven times, but he also tells us to treat the unrepentant as a pagan or tax collector, Matthew 18: 15-17.  What am I to do with the unrepentant that might not be a Christian, or belongs to another church and refuses discussion?  Do I bite my tongue and keep smiling?  Do I practice forgiveness with my mouth and hope my heart will follow?  Should I shake the dust from my feet and walk away?  Perhaps just pray for a miracle, either in me or them?

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.  These people are not nailing me to the cross and casting lots for my clothes.  Yet, I am hesitant to forgive the unrepentant who seem to know what they are doing and don’t care that it offends others.  Perhaps they have no ability to change and choose to hide their helplessness in bravado. 
 

I have decided to set forgiveness aside for the unrepentant.  Instead, I will pray for their happiness.  Pray that they may find Jesus and understand his love for them.  Pray their burdens will be lighter.  Pray they will enter a Bible study designed especially for them.  Pray that I may be one of the people to offer them a cool glass of water when they are parched.  An offer made without obligation or expectation.

Dear Lord, you are my joy and my delight.  May I offer happiness and joy to others as you offer it to me.  Your love is as underserved as a small child, throwing a temper tantrum, being scooped up and hugged without reservation.