Thou hast… (Psalm 60) 300109

The first four verses are full of “Thou hast” in NASB, or “You have” in NKJV and NIV. The psalmist clearly understands that God is in control of everything, the big word for it is sovereign. God has rejected, broken, been angry, made the land quake, split it open, made His people experience hardship, given them wine (v1-3), but also given a banner (v4). God seems to be orchestrating all that has been happening in the life of this psalmist. Or rather, the psalmist is declaring the almighty power of God, who can do all which was mentioned, in the midst of adverse situation he was in.

I have been depressed before; the world around me was strangely dimed. There seemed to be no hope, but I know that God was somehow in the whole situation. God has allowed all the things that had happened to me to happen to me. I don’t know why, even up till today. But I am sure that something good has taken place within me.

The psalmist is stating the fact that God is sovereign over his life, and also sovereign over all the nations (v7-8). And because of his understanding of God’s sovereignty, the psalmist is able to put his confidence in Him for deliverance and victory (v12).

I am too lazy today to dig into the background of this psalm, and I do not know what the situation the psalmist was in historically; but I know that this psalmist knows God. Therefore, he can confidently say to God: Thou hast; and know that God will grant him final victory.

Maybe you are struggling with some sins in life which you do not seem to be able to break free for now; but be sure that God knows your struggles, and He has allowed it so that you may learn to trust that He will deliver you. Maybe you are in the midst of some difficult situation, it could be financial crisis, it could be marital conflicts, it could even be church conflicts; and you wonder why you have to go through such things which you try to avoid; but God knows your weakness, and He may be using this to mould you to the person He wants. So trust Him.

The list can surely go on and on, your list can be even longer than mine; but God is not interested in merely deliver you from your problem, He is more keen to see you learn to trust Him and cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

Talk to God, tell Him how you feel, and listen to His reply. This psalm shows us how this psalmist talks to God and listing down a list of “Thou hast”. But he also listens to God as He speaks in His holiness (v6-8). The word “holy” means set apart. And when God speaks in His holiness, He expects us to set ourselves apart from everything else to listen. It is only when we listen to God, then we can know the power of God, then we can know more of God. Take time to talk and listen to God. Prayer is a conversation; it is a dialog, not a monologue, and definitely not a soliloquy (talking to oneself).

God has spoken, are you listening?

HHS…
Abel…

It is not your fault… (Psalm 59) 290109

I just got my driving license, and I am very eager to get hold of a car to drive, especially during this Chinese New Year season. Lo, and behold, a sister in my church who owns a minivan, agreed to trust God by lending her minivan into my hand for two full days. Surely her faith is not in me, though she knows that I have been riding motorbike for the past three years and has much road experience, but letting a less than one-month-old driver to drive her minivan is another issue.

I thank God for her boldness, and before I drove off on the first day; my wife prayed that God will protect us and keep us safe. She seems to have less faith in me than my friend. Anyway, I returned the minivan without a single scratch and my wife is happy with my driving skill.

As I read today’s psalm, I know God is reminding me that it is His grace and protection that I am able to ride a motorbike and a minivan on the road and return safely. People who are behind the steering wheel and on the road, they can be rather or very reckless. I am not talking about you, if you are reading this. But there are many drivers and riders who are really like those bloodthirsty men (v2, NKJV) and wicked transgressors (v5, NKJV) describes in this psalm. They dashed pass me while I was already traveling at 80 or 90 km/h on the expressway. These are the speed thirsty drivers. They cut into my lane without giving me any signal and seem to be unhappy with my slow speed, but I am traveling on the left most lanes! These are the road transgressors.

No matter how hard I try to be alert, there are people out there who are out to get me. I think the psalmist must have felt the same. No matter how he tried not to sin, there are people who will lie in wait for his life, not for his transgression nor for his sin (v3, NASB). Bad things happen to us, and it is not our faults! No fault of mine, no guilt of mine (v4).

Maybe you are a victim of the current financial crisis, and it is not your fault. Maybe you are going through a marriage crisis because your spouse is not being faithful in keeping the covenant, and it is not your fault. Maybe you score badly for a group project because of a mistake make by one of your team members; it is not your fault. Maybe you are putting on some pounds in this season of Chinese New Year, so much good food; it is surely not your fault.

But psalmist regained his strength by singing (v16, 17). He sang of God’s lovingkindness, and acknowledged Him as His stronghold (v16, 17). As we are storming through this financial crisis, our marriages, and even our failures; let’s learn to remember God’s lovingkindness and look to Him as our stronghold.

Some of you are still recovering from the post-Chinese New Year blues, and don’t feel like working today. It is not your fault. I also don’t feel like working.

HHS…
Abel…

In Justice… (Psalm 58) 250109

This psalm is beautifully structured. Justice is the main theme of this psalm. The psalmist has a concern for justice (v1-2) and he closes the psalm with an affirmation of justice (v11). The psalmist also presents the lies of the wicked (v3-5) he saw and describing the joy of the righteous (v10) he experience. And he intensely prays for justice (v6-8) and with an expectation of justice (v9). How can we miss such obvious theme: Justice?

We yearn of justice, we expect God to act justly. God loves justice and He is just. But when we take a step back and take a good look at our heart, are we a person who also acts justly? I am not answering this question for you, because I am not a complete just person. I have my favorite student when I was teacher, and I had ever done something which is completely unjust. I have my favorite youths when I was a youth pastor, and I had also given unjust favor to them. I also have my favorite children as I am involved in Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, and I have again given them extra care and love. I can go on with my list and I am sure you also have your list.

But I am thankful that God deals with me justly and also with grace. I cannot imagine if God is going to issue a judgment or punishment for my sins, I don’t think I can ever live it through. People usually say that, if we are going to make our life and thought into a video film and play it back to watch, it will be the most horrible film ever make, and even RA(21) may not be justifiable for this kind of film. And we bring this idea into how God is going to deal with us when we go to heaven. Before we enter the pearly gate, all the ‘saints’ will gather in front of it and there will be a super huge screen to screen all our sins (both confessed and secret); and all my friends and church members will be able to see how lustful I have been while I am a pastor, how much I hated some people and have imagination of all sorts for them to be killed and it can go on and on. But you can rest assure, there won’t be you in my video film if you are reading this.

Surely God demands justice, especially from His people, but yet, He is gracious enough to wipe off all our sins as He had already done it on the Cross. I have been writing a devotion guide for coming season of Lent, and I have been intensively meditating upon the Cross of Jesus. I can only have one conclusion: my sins are forgiven. The Cross tells me that God demands justice for that we do, and we can never do what is just and only what Jesus had done on the Cross is able to fulfill the justice God has demanded for Himself. Jesus is the Justice.

We often say we are in Christ, we are in grace. But as we are in Christ, we are also in Justice.

HHS…
Abel…

Awake, my soul!!! (Psalm 57) 240109

It is a strange thing that I am writing this early on a Saturday morning. It is now, not even 6.30am. But come to think of it, I had been waking up around 5am in the past to do my devotion; this shouldn’t be too strange a thing. Anyway, it is still a strange thing, sitting at my kitchen table, entering today’s thought on Psalm 57. I actually feel good to be in the Presence of God at my breakfast table, with a cup of coffee. But the truth is that, I am still a bit sleepy.
And during my meditation of this psalm, verse 8 jumps at me: Awake, my soul! It is a call to be awake from my sleepiness; it is a call for me to leave my lethargy behind; it is a call to re-engage my joy; it is a call to my soul; it is a call to look forward as the dawn approaches; it is a call to a new beginning; and it is a call from God.

This psalmist is very much likely to be King David. He was fleeing from the pursued of Saul and he was probably hiding in some cave as he composed this psalm. The first half of the psalm is about David’s lamentation of his situation (v1-5) and the second half is some kind of thanksgiving and praise to God (v7-11). This leaves verse 6 as the turning point. In Hebrew poetry, the middle or center idea is usually the key idea or the main theme, as most Hebrew literatures are arranged in chiastic manner or concentrically. In this psalm, there is only one “but”, and it is found in verse 6, and there is an obvious change of mood within David. Something strange had happened within David and caused him to see things differently.

I don’t know what exactly the thing is, but I believe it is David’s steadfast heart before God (v7). His steadfastness helps him to want to relook at God and makes him rethink of his attitude. And the awakening in verse 8 is acceleration point whereby David took off and flew with songs of praises and thanksgivings.

I have been down for quite awhile and even though I have recovered, I am still in very slow mood. Maybe I am just being careful, not to overwork and burnout prematurely, but I know I am merely functioning on autopilot mood. Things happened recently makes me rethink my relationship with God, or rather how much God has really loved me.

Yes, I had fractured my right wrist in May 08, but I was completely recovered within 2 months and it amazed the doctor and physiotherapist. I need rest and slower pace in ministry, and the church is very kind to allow me to work part-time for past half a year, so that I have time to adjust myself back into ministry and at the same time take care of my father and new born Alethea. I need opportunity to practice preaching, and I am giving the opportunity to preach in the Chinese ministry, church service and even a youth camp. And of course I passed my driving with minimal demerit points and minimal practices. What else more can I ask for? God is so good to me.

And recently, my wife (Esther) and I were praying about having my own transport. I am thinking of repossessing a motorbike. But God seems to have other arrangement which is beyond what I imagine or ask for. I think I better wake up my idea.

Awake! My Soul!

Are you also feeling a bit monotonous in your spiritual walk? Are you also longing for an awakening with your soul? Don’t bother to go after revivalist or popular and inspiring speaker, go to God, ask Him to reveal to the goodness and loving kindness He has been doing in your life. Give thanks and look forward to the new possibility and new hope He has for you. All you need is to be awake! Your soul!

HHS…
Abel…

In God… (Psalm 56) 230109

Recently, my family observes that my daughter, Alethea, is easily frightened whenever she hears someone’s footstep toward the house. She seems to be very frightened and will quickly run towards her grandmother or grandfather or mother or myself; whoever is nearest to herself. She will seek comfort and protection from us; those whom she trusts. We are not sure what has caused her insecurity, but we know that we are her pillar of strength that she trusts in times of fear.

Today’s psalm reminds me of that. The psalmist declares that when he is afraid, he will put his trust in God (v3). He further declares that in God, he shall not be afraid (v4, 11). As I meditate on this psalm, I can sense the psalmist dependence on God. He is aware of the situation around him, he is aware of the danger and threat he is facing, and he is also aware of his own emotional anguish. In the midst of all these, he seeks refuge, comfort, strength and everything he needs, in God.

In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid (v4).
In God, whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid (v10, 11).

I am drawn to the fact that the psalmist’s ultimate focus is not what is out there, but rather what is in God. He knows that in God is all that he need. He knows that in God is where he can find security, protection, comfort, peace and rest.

The world today which you and I live in is harsh. The financial crisis hits us so badly that our government has to, for the first time; dig into the national reserves to help the people to pull through this crisis. Marriages have been breaking down so badly, that it is not uncommon to find a divorcee within a stone-throw distance, and government has to step in to encourage couples to go for pre-marital counseling. Moral has been also deteriorating so badly, that having an affair in not longer a big affair; cheating on taxes is considered being prudent; back-stabbing and office politics are just means for survival of the fittest; and even road rage can be justifiable as long you are the one who started it first.

In such a world, we really need to find a place to regain our sanity and orientation. We cannot keep going without knowing where we are heading, or even not knowing where we are. Life is race; in Singapore, it is a rat-race. But we must be sure that we are in the right race, so that we can be in the right place where we want to be. Where can we find such place that we can regain our right pace and right orientation?

In God.

The psalmist suggests that the place is in God. No wonder, throughout the history, Christians are strongly advised to have quiet time or devotion time. The bible never says what time of the day is the best time, but it surely demonstrates the truth that it is good for God’s people to spend time with Him, in Him.

I know that you are busy, most probably busier than me. But I think I am less busy because I have chosen to have time everyday to be in God. That is why I am always reminded of the pace I should go in this race, and keep my orientation clear. It is a discipline. You don’t need to follow after my way of doing it, because you are not me; but you must do something about it and find your time to be in God.

The Lunar New Year is just round the corner, it will be very busy for some of you. It will be even busier for some of you after the New Year, but do not be trapped in the wrong race. Run towards God, and stay in God.

HHS…
Abel…

Anguish Trust… (Psalm 55) 220109

What is the most painful experience you have gone through? For mothers, it would be the childbirth experience. For man, it could be the season of joblessness, especially true in this financial difficult situation. For students, it might be the moment you collect your result slip after a semester or a year or some years of hard work and discover that you have failed terribly. For lovers, it would be the breakup. I can go on and on, or you can fill it in for me. But for our Lord Jesus Christ, I think the most painful experience for Him is not the Cross, it is the betrayal of His friend Judas.

This psalm exemplifies the genre of the individual lament. The psalmist pours out his heart before the Lord surrounded by expressions of animosity, not only from old foes, but now even from "friends." The mood of the psalm moves from despair, to complaint, to a note of confidence in the Lord. Some have seen in the psalmist's experience a reflection of that of our Lord as he was betrayed by Judas. (Taken from VanGemeren, Willem A. “Psalm 55: The Lord Sustains the Righteous!” In The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Volume 5. 392. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, © 1991.)

When I read through this psalm, verse 4 echoes loudly in me. It says: My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. NKJV translates as: My heart is severely pained within me. As I meditate upon this verse, in particular, there seems to be a painful pierce within me, right at my heart. I am not sure what this experience is, but I know that I am not having a heart attack at that moment. I think the Spirit of God is leading me to experience the pain of Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Lord knew that His good friend who had been traveling with Him for the past three years was going to betray Him.

Betrayal is one of the most painful experiences a person can go through. The psychological and emotional damages cause by the betrayal of a very good and close friend can be devastating. If you are married, just imagine, your spouse whom you have been together for years, betray your trust and cheated on you and have an affair with one of your close friend. I think you will be very angry, sad, disappointed, and devastated; because the one you have trusted the most, betray you. Even if you are not married, you can also imagine that your closest friend whom you share all your secrets, including the most horrible sins, betray confidentiality and tells others about your secrets. I think you will be embarrassed, feeling angry and even hatred towards that friend.

The consequences of betrayal; a wall is build. You will not trust or love another person easily in the future and this will hinder ones growth in the Lord. And this is the irony; we need to learn to trust people in order to grow spiritually; but the most painful experience is when the trust is being betrayed. No wonder the Lord has to go through it Himself, so that we know that we have a God who can completely understand us and yet He still step out in love toward the Cross.

I love this psalm, because it does not only describe the pain of being betray and thought of revenging and the feeling of hatred; neither does it tells us how can the hurt of betrayal can be dealt with; but it simply points us back to the Lord. But as for me, I trust in You (v23, NIV).

This is an emphatic statement of the psalmist to trust in the Lord. Anyone around us can betray us; anyone whom we place our trust in can possibly betray us; and anyone whom we consider as friend might betray us. Husband can betray his wife, your close friend can betray you, you business partner can also betray you, your colleague might betray you, and your sibling might also betray you. But only the Lord God will be forever faithful and will not betray us. Therefore, put your trust in the Lord, and choose to trust in Him. Only God can heal the pain of betrayal, because He understands how you feel. He has been there, done that.

HHS…
Abel…

God is my Sustainer… (Psalm 54) 210109

Yesterday was a good day. I have gotten some parts of my house being cleaned up, with the help of a part-time cleaner. She helped me to clean up all the windows, washed the two toilets, scrubbed my kitchen floor, wipe all the kitchen cabinets, cleaned all the fans, and cleaned up the interior part of the cabinet under my stove and sink (this is the dirtiest part of my house, in my opinion). Anyway, my house is much cleaner now. It is good to live in a clean house.

I remember that there was once, I had a battle with hundreds of cockroaches (http://leeabel.blog.friendster.com/2007/07/i-am-a-warrior/). Though I have won that battle and the cockroaches suffered great casualties, they never give up in re-organizing themselves and call in for reinforcement to plan for a cockroaches strike back. I also did not relax in my defense. I have sealed up my drainage hole with a valve-like mechanism (water can be drained out, but cockroaches cannot enter from there); I have also planted a pot of pandan leaves near the rubbish bin. But all these couldn’t deter the cockroaches’ commando team to penetrate into my house, and they will leave behind eggs waiting for the right time to launch another attack in my house again.

The cleanup of the area under my stove and sink, eliminated majority of the eggs; and I can have peace for a while. God has sent the part-time cleaner to destroy my enemies. God is my deliverer, for He has delivered me from all my cockroaches (v7).

Do you have enemies like mine? Maybe your enemies are your colleagues whom keep backstabbing you because you always leave early for small groups on Friday and refuse to work on Sunday even the company pays you extra. Maybe your enemies are your classmates whom refuse to take you in as part of their group for projects because you always cannot to meet on Sunday for discussion. Maybe your enemies are other rude road users with big and expensive cars because they like to honk at you when you refuse to change lane at double white lines and slow them down.

I think it is alright to have enemies, the psalmist also has enemies. Though we are not sure who they were, the fact is that the psalmist has such a psalm to ask God to destroy them (v5).
The most important thing of this psalm is not about how God is going to destroy the enemies and vindicate the psalmist (v1). It is about the character of God being his helper and sustainer of his soul (v4). This is the central theme of this psalm, both theologically and structurally.

A. Prayer for Deliverance (vv.1-2)
B. Occasion of the Prayer (v.3)
C. Affirmation of Trust (v.4)
B'. Resolution of the Prayer (v.5)
A'. Thanksgiving for Deliverance (vv.6-7)

Such structure of this psalm can hardly be missed. This is a very common way how Hebrew writers like to structure their work, both in poetry like psalm and even in narrative like the story of Ruth.

I believe that the psalmist longed for deliverance, he also longed to be vindicated; but most importantly, he knew and acknowledged God as his helper and sustainer of his soul (v4). We can be easily overwhelmed and overrun by our enemies. But there is one thing which no enemies can take away from us is our soul, only we can give it up ourselves. All that enemies can do is to weaken it and make you want to give it up. But God is the sustainer of my soul, He can sustain me and keep giving me hope to press on and hang on.

I just have a Day Alone with God. Those who are in pastoral ministry need such time to allow ourselves to realize that God is the sustainer of our souls. God is also the sustainer of your soul. Take time to realize that and allow Him to keep re-nourishing your soul.

My enemies, the cockroaches, can keep coming and launch their attacks, but God is my helper, and He is the sustainer of my soul. I will not give up holding my fort and defense my house from these cockroaches. Sometimes, I might feel tired and lax in my defense; God is my helper and my sustainer. I will get up and fight back. And no cockroaches will have victory in my house!

HHS…
Abel…