“O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things.” (Psalm 98:1 NASB 1995)
I imagine that when you read the title above, you anticipated that I was going to write a story about home décor, an eye-pleasing painting, or a new way to accessorize the clothes you already have. If you know Val, you might have thought I was going to say that I finally learned how to write a meaningful piece with not many words. Well, sorry to disappoint you. What I am going to say to you this morning was really “Inspired by Val,” but it was from the verse above, a scripture Val sent to me Tuesday morning from the inspired word of God. Yes, the meditation composer, referring to myself, was made to meditate on Psalm 98:1. Let me share what came to my remembrance. It’s something we all need during these present days from multiple perspectives, ranging from the personal to the political.
Here is what was brought to my remembrance: Sometimes we have to look backward to move forward. Let me write it again but making it personal: Sometimes you have to look backward to move forward.”
Yes, look back and see the wonderful things the Lord has done in your life! He has delivered you! He has directed you back to the path of righteousness, saving you from disaster! He has declined, by His prerogative, not to destroy you and instead, showed you divine mercy! He has definitely shown you a better way! He had defended you when no one would stand with you when you decided to plant your feet on solid ground. The Lord, He has deployed His angels to look after you all night and all day! The Lord, He descended, even though He transcends our being, and He came to see about you and rescue you from your dilemmas! The Lord, He has dressed you in righteousness! The Lord, He designated that His only begotten Son came to save you and when He departed, He distinctly promised to return to get you! Sorry Val, I can’t be as succinct as you can be in your blog messages! I have to say a couple of more things! The Lord, He has distinguished you as one who is highly favored! The Lord, He destroyed the barriers that were in your walk by faith! The Lord, He has declared to you, “I will be your God,” and He backed that declaration up with demonstration. He decked, knocked out, any doubt that you will make it through a messed-up situation, once again. Praise God!
Look backward with delight, remembering what wonderful things the Lord has done for you! Look forward and relax in faith, knowing that the Lord is not done doing great and wonderful things for you again and again, over and over. Trust Him! Go on now, right now, make up a new song, praising God on your way to work. Don’t worry if no one else hears you, for the Lord will hear your praise and a smile will appear on His face. May His smile, result in what is conveyed in the closing verses. Be blessed!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’.” (Number 6:24-26 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King