“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, ‘The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us—whereof we are glad’.”
Psalm 126:1-3
Are you happy, Pilgrim?
Well, say so!
Too often we live in a “melancholy mist,” singing morose, melancholy melodies that more resemble a funeral dirge than a song of praise. However, today’s Manna reminds us that we, who called ourselves the Redeemed, should be of all people those whose “mouths are filled with laughter and whose tongues are filled with singing.”
But, sadly, too often we look like someone who’s got a case of spiritual indigestion and our faces are dark and troubled. And, then we wonder why the world wants little of what we’ve got—for it looks like it makes us sick!
Why is this?
Simply because we’re focused on the wrong things: The faltering economy. . .the threat of terrorism. . .escalating evil, immorality, idolatry, etc., in our world (including our homes, businesses, churches, etc.). . .our sins and shortcomings. . .others’ hurtful words and deeds, etc.
Assuredly, these are cause for concern. And, assuredly, there’ll be times when we feel more like the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, than we do the anonymous author of our Manna.
But, there comes a point where we have to stop such pensive ponderings, “capture our thoughts” (II Cor. 10:5) and will ourselves to say “What great things the Lord has done for me! There was a time in my life when I was bogged down like someone who’d fallen into a deep pit filled with stinking, sticky, miry clay. The more I struggled to get out, the deeper I sank down.
“But, one day Jesus reached down in loving kindness to me and plucked me out of that pit, set me down on a solid rock, gave me new direction in life and put a new song—even a song of praise in my mouth (Ps. 40:1-3). And, now my life is different and I’m so thankful to Him for what great things He has done. Hallelujah!!”
How long has it been, Pilgrim, since you stopped and simply counted God’s blessings in your life?
Why not stop, right now, sit back in your chair and, as the old Gospel song says, “Count your blessings. Name them one by one”? And, as you do, don’t be surprised if the rest of that verse suddenly erupts from your lips: “And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
So, go ahead, say aloud even now: “Thank you, Lord!” Then, give a shout. . .not a half-hearted one. . .but a hearty one (a sort of spiritual “Yeeee-haw!”). And, then give a Holy Laugh unto the Lord as your tongue starts singing “There’s within my heart a melody. . .Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” And, be sure to not quench the Spirit as you go out today; instead “Say among the heathen ‘I’ve just got to tell you what the Lord has done for me’!” Amen and amen.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated July 18, 2009
