|
Powered Circuits |
SOULS IN DISTRESSBy Dr. Jack CanadyRead Psalm 120:6Dear Leaders Chosen of God, "Too long has my soul had its dwelling with those who hate peace," (Psalm 120:6). Aren't those words haunting? In spite of the fact that Psalm 120 introduces a group of happy psalms Jewish pilgrims sang on their way home to Jerusalem, the unidentified man writing this one began his journey far from home. This was not just a geographical thing. It was a matter of his soul. The picture I get is that for a long, long time his soul had been tortured, living among those who hated him, his God and his people. Two places are mentioned: Meshech and Kedar. What I found was that Meschech was the son of Japheth, who was the son of Noah. As far as I can tell he is speaking of life among the Gentiles. Kedar was the son of Ishmael -Arabs. Here is the picture I get. Though Israel, the people of God did not like it they had been forced to live among the Gentiles and Arabs, people who despised them and their God. How did they get there? Why were they there? Did they go on their on free will? Was it their choice? If so was it a godly choice or a nephew Lot choice? Did God lead them to go to be His preachers as with Jonah? Did God exile them because of hearts of rebellion? I sure have a lot of questions don't I? The problem is that I do not have any historically certain answers. But, when it comes to personal application I have some observations that are painful to me; I mean VERY PAINFUL. There have been times in my life when my warped soul knowingly chose to take my feet from the path holiness, God's secure place, and "dwell among the tents of Kedar". Sounds so much like Lot doesn't it? Do you remember what happened to him and his family because of that choice? The picture is one of terrible tragedy. That could have happened to me. That can happen to you. When I watch friends and those very close to me turn from God and head for the far country my soul trembles. I become afraid. Fortunately I did what the man in Psalm 120 did. "In my trouble/distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me." My prayer was, "Deliver my soul, O LORD!" He did; He does. In Psalm 121 he headed home. Aren't you glad the door is open? At this moment my wife and I are praying that several dear to us will become so troubled and distressed that they will head for home. If you are in that far country that is our prayer for you. In His love, Pastor Jac You can subscribe to Pastor Jack's e-mailings. Click Here |
Copyrights: Content (c) 2010 Circuit 'Riter Ministries. |