I am in my study preparing for tomorrow’s sermon in which I will be teaching through Psalm 38. I began this chapter last week and laid the groundwork for what I will cover tomorrow. Meditating on 38:4 created a word picture for me. Here is the verse:
“For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me” (NASB)
What do you picture? I picture a person lost at sea and becoming overwhelmed by the waves and slowly but inevitably losing the fight against the power of the ocean and sinking into death.
The Psalmist is describing sin in this passage. Sin is devastating to our physical and spiritual man. It will if left unchecked slowly swallow us up by shear force. What a picture this is of the person who refuses to cry out to Jesus in saving faith and instead slowly sinks into death.
Jesus casts a wide net to rescue all who are perishing in the sea of sin; all who cry out, “save me Jesus for I am a sinner.” Friends Jesus lifts us up out of our sin and puts our feet on the solid ground of trust, hope, faith, and love.
This picture reminded me of an old hymn I enjoy singing. Be blessed today friends in the hope and asurance that Christ brings to every soul who by faith belongs to Him.
Love Lifted Me
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.
Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves;
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
Words and music by James Rowe, 1912
Copyright: Public Domain
I tend to like urban gospel contemporary music and some CCM but there is nothing like the old hymns that really touch the heart and soul. I mentioned this on another blog too but some of the urban gospel contemporary music tries to manufacture a mood at times. “MAKE SOME NOISE! JUMP UP AND DOWN! STAND ON YOUR HEAD! DO IT AGAIN! EVERYBODY SCREAM!”
With some of the CCM , it sounds like a mix between rock and roll and a heavy metal clash. Which I like, don’t get me wrong because I can head bang and jump with the best of them–although one time I did almost give myself whiplash with the heavy metal one. I hit a guy walking by me during a Kirk Franklin song but that’s for another post.
I remember when we sang, “It is Well”, two Sundays ago and it was so moving and stirring. The history behind the song makes it so poignant. Then ‘Blessed Assurance”, and of course, “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms” and “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hands”.
I’m kinda rambling right now but I love that song you referenced. Love it!
Hi Parker:
Hahaha you have me laughing just picturing all that! I did the CCM scene for a long time and still like some of it but generally I find that I am returning to my Baptist roots somewhat today. The hymns really resonate with me at the stage of life I am in. Gasp! Can it be that I am becoming more reflective!? LOL Aside from that though I enjoy jazz and blues more than anything and when artists can create inspiring music with those influences I am hooked.
God bless you sister.
Mike
My Baptist radar WAS on! I knew it! I grew up just almost every Baptist denomination except for Southern Baptist.
Hi Parker:
I was saved in a United Brethren church but spend nearly 11 years in a Southern Baptist church before God called me to plant and pastor a Calvary Chapel church in St. Marys and Lima, Ohio.