Poetry In Motion - Pt. 2

As I write this I am punching my keys due to the fact that just as I was finishing this blog, everything I had written disappeared never to be found again.  You can imagine there was a bit of frustration.  Nevertheless, as I look at this unfortunate turn of events I have to wonder, maybe this was the Lord saying, "I don't like what you wrote, it was absolute jibberish, therefore, I am going to erase it from your computer."  Now you can take this in one of two ways.  You can take it as a Pessimist (glass half-full) or you can take it as an Optimist (glass half-full). 

Have you ever had to work beside someone that was a pessimist?  I'm sure you have.  For the optimist they can be a bit aggravating.  I have found, however, the need for the pessimist in our world today.  You see, I believe the pessimist is the person who keeps us sharp, constantly thinking about the items that need special forethought and are not emotionally charged.

Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm of David because it has both elements - pessimism and optimism.  It is written in two segments, despair and then thanksgiving.  David is writing during a particularly difficult time of his life and shares a statement that is later quoted in the New Testament by Christ while on the cross - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" (Ps. 22:1).  Some believe that Jesus actually may have recited this entire Psalm while he hung on the cross.  I find it amazing how David's words later became Christ's, both crying out to God in the midst of terrible loneliness.  Jesus, especially, was experiencing this terrible emotion, not with surprise and wonder, but with the reality of his Father turning his back on the lamb that carried the sin of the world.  Alone, an emotion not familiar to Christ. 

But thankfully there is the second segment of Psalm 22 - thanksgiving.  The glass is half-full, not half empty.  I find the honesty of David in his despair and Christ on the cross refreshing when I think of mine and others circumstances, sometimes of loneliness and despair, but never dwelling in the valley of death.  Psalm 22 reminds us, as well, of the promise that often lies beyond our sight.

24 For he has not ignored the suffering of the needy. He has not turned and walked away. He has listened to their cries for help.

  Psalms 22:24 (NLT)

Poetry In Motion

Sorry for the delay.  Been having some issues with our computer systems here and have not been able to update the blog like I would hope.  I have started a new series, even though I am already starting week 3 of "Poetry In Motion."  I thought I would take some time and examine some of the Messianic Psalms during this advent season.  Week 1 really looked at Psalm 110 which is a Psalm of Christ the King.

Psalm 110, the most quoted Psalm in the NT, is a psalm about power regained.  Psalm 110 is a Kingly psalm.  It is often thought to be a psalm that is sung during a coronation or enthronement of a Davidic king.  In the NT Psalm 110 is quoted 27-times. 

I like this anonymous authors description of Psalm 110 - "The power of the Psalm is seen in its Messianic promise - the promise of God becoming a man and touching earth in order to reclaim His creation.  The subject is the Priest-King.  David wrote Psalm 110 as a poem to be read, a song to be sung."

The principles behind this Psalm target the Kingly Christ, the throne of Christ and the connection point of both in our lives.  What I mean is, if Christ is truly King, as this Psalm proclaims, then naturally their is a personal application for us all.  That application targets the throne room of Christ in our personal lives.  Let's take it a step further.  What does Christ look like as the King of our lives, meaning having complete control.

I envisioned 5 principles regarding Christ's control and presence in our lives lived out.

• In the midst of your enemies.
• In the midst of your battles.

Christ's control is then further fleshed out in the victories of a Christ controlled life.

• He reminds us of his constant presence.
• He reminds us that he will go to war for us.
• He will give us rest.

Truly powerful lives are those that seek less and less control.  Strange isn't it!?  Tell me your thoughts.  I would love to hear of moments in your life that you fought God's control and eventually came to an understanding with him that true power would never come until you gave up the throne of your life.

Randy