TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy. Psalm 137:6
Listen: Psalm 137
TODAY’S MESSAGE
This psalm shows us that pain is very real and crying out to God in our pain is okay. For a time, that may be all we have the strength to do. But continuing to live in a state of perpetual negativity is not okay. Like the psalmist, we need to turn our focus toward God’s greatness (Psalm 48:1), presence (Psalm 46:7), and love (Psalm 48:9).
Everything about the language of Psalm 137:5–6 have upward movement toward the character of God. Like the upward movement of a tree sprouting out of the ground, the psalmist asserts, “If I don’t consider [God] as my greatest joy, then render me speechless.” Even though he sits amid the rubble, his heart is turned toward what Jerusalem represents—God Almighty, Master, Creator, and final Judge.
If we are going to work through pain, we cannot allow the past to bring us so low we turn our back on God. We either let pain define us or focus on God. Focusing on God may not lessen the pain we feel, but will free us to rejoice in the One who will sort things out and administer justice in his own time.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you meet with God, recognize that focusing upward towards him sets us free from the pain of life. Watch the video clip below as Pastor Bob King gives two examples of what rejoicing in God’s goodness amidst the rubble looks like.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
