Coffee With The Lord

I think Psalm 3 has special significance for any parent who has experienced the pain of estranged child!  The traditional preface to this Psalm says, “A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom, his son.”

The story behind that introduction is found in II Samuel 15-18 in the Bible.  Who knows what caused the rift between father and son… there had been tensions between them before this.  Absalom, however, decided to take it beyond misunderstanding.  He began a treasonous scheme to betray his father, form a coup, and actually take over the nation!  What deep pain and sense of betrayal David must have felt from his son!

Few things hurt more!  And the sad result?  When a son or daughter betrays you, refuses to talk to you, spreads evil and untrue stories about you, or denies you; you begin to feel like everyone and everything is against you!

I have a feeling some of you may have felt that pain from a son or daughter, a spouse, a dear friend or trusted colleague.

David did the right thing in the middle of this incredibly painful experience… He cried out to God!  My advice to you in your pain?  Do the same thing – in fact make David’s words your cry to God!  Here they are for you…

“O Lord, how many are my foes!  Many are rising against me – many are saying of my soul, ‘there is no salvation for him in God!’  But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head!  I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from His holy hill!  I laid down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me! … Arise, O Lord!  Save me, O my God! … Salvation belongs to You, O Lord!  Your blessing be on your people!”

You say, “music might help me deal with the pain?”  Well I’ve got to tell you that one of my favorite pieces of sacred music is this Psalm set to music and sung by “The Sisters!”  I’ve included the URL so that you can use it to express how you feel to the Lord.  Listen, He’ll hear the pain of your heart and he’ll help you move past this in victory… Ask David.

Here’s the URL for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ9KkfvfM3o

You have heard, as have I, the harsh words spoken by world leaders against Christians and Christianity. The testimony of Christ is reviled and mocked by arrogant leaders and by the blinded multitudes that follow them! Persecution of Christians has escalated and godly people have given their lives for their faith. The derisive laughter of the insolent rings in our ears…

What to do? An evil desire for vengeance rises within us – we would like to “get even!” But Scripture tells us God reserves that prerogative solely for Himself! Instead He challenges us to extend redemptive love and forgiveness to our persecutors (Romans 12:14, 19-21)!

Having said that, what does God say to the arrogant and insolent leaders of our world – what warning does He give them? Psalm 2, the wonderful Messianic Psalm I read during “coffee with the Lord” this morning, provides the answer…

“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles!’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, ‘I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain! … Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.’ Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him!”

I’ve read the final chapter in “the book” – John’s apocalyptic vision and prophecy in Revelation – God Himself will take of it! It’ll be OK … God’s mercy and justice will be vindicated! I’m free to be redemptive, loving and forgiving … God helping me I will be!