SCRIP-BITS

Psalm 32:7.    Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
 
Oh Friends, the Lord in His LOVING-kindness has granted us another day of life on planet earth! And all God’s people joyfully sang: ‘Praise Him, Praise Him, Glory Hallelujah. He is LOVE! He is LOVE!’ He certainly is my people! So much so, that along with the new day of life come new mercies and blessings. I therefore urge us to gratefully accept and use them to enhance our earthly lives and further God’s kingdom, the two main purposes for which we’ve been granted life this blessed day. So whether it’s raining or sunny in our lives, let’s be contented and make the most of what we have, for that’s the only way to bring peace and joy to our weary, bruised and confused souls. And if we can’t handle life on our own, which we obviously can’t, then there’s help, there’s always help to be had from our God. As our Bit so wisely states: ‘Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about (surround me) with songs of deliverance.’ Yuh know Friends, it’s sad that there are many Christians who still try to do stuff on their own, when fully knowing, through the Word, that we can’t. I guess it’s a matter of foolish pride and rebellion, when we know that our chances of success without God’s help are few or nil. Why are we so reluctant to get God in our lives eh, when He so badly wants to help us in all areas? Right now our world is in a terrible state; overwhelmed by physical strife, economic depression and widespread inequality. Currently, it’s also disaster prone, thus a high degree of ‘sufferation’ prevails all over. But yuh think the powers that be are even contemplating turning back for help to the most mighty and ever-LOVING God who created and still cares for us? Absolutely not! They’re completely focused on accomplishing stuff in their own strength, and everyday things become worse. Bruh David spells it out so clearly in our Bit, that in times of trouble God is our best refuge. And he’s talking from lots of experience, both personally and as king of Israel. Those of us who choose to look to God for help, know without a doubt that there’s no better place of comfort, solace and security, at any time, than in the protective arms of our wonderful God. And He’s so caring, considerate and understanding, that He doesn’t simply protect us from trouble, but in our times of need, He also surrounds us with songs of deliverance. Yes Friends, our God delights in song! All through the Good Book it talks about singing; songs of praise, gratitude, whatever. The angels also sing in heaven. Songs and singing should therefore be an integral part of the believer’s earthly journey. Bruh David, when talking about praise for answered prayer, said it thus: ‘And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.’ (Ps.40:3) That’s so true my people! When God answers our prayers, a song of praise and joy just naturally bubbles up from the depths of our souls. Here are a couple of examples of that from the Good Book. First up is Moses’ Song, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea.: ‘Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ (Ex.15:1-2) Then there’s the Song of Deborah and Barak; the prophetess and judge of Israel and the mighty warrior, when they delivered Israel from the army of Sisera. ‘Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel (when leaders lead in Israel), when the people willingly offered themselves (volunteered). Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.’ (Judg.5:1-3) The Psalms and Song of Solomon are two whole Books within the Bible dedicated to song. And at the end of time we’ll still be singing songs of praise and glory, as John saw in Revelation: ‘And when he had taken the book, the four beasts (living creatures) and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials (bowls) full of odours (incense), which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book (scroll), and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred (tribe), and tongue, and people, and nation.’ (Rev.5:8-9) So my people, in wisdom, let’s keep looking to the Lord our God for refuge and comfort, both in good and bad times, and let’s glorify His Holy Name also in song; songs of deliverance, praise and thanks, for it is meet and right so to do. Selah! Much LOVE!…when earthly song rises to heaven…heaven joins it in song…