OzThoughts – Friday, 24th April, 2009.

OzThoughts – Friday, 24th April, 2009.

I have sat on a rock in a mountain stream surrounded by thick rain forest. The only sound was the occasional call of a bird. I was reminded recently that I once sat beneath coconut palms on a beach and watched the sun rise across the sea. It was beautifully quiet, not even the sea gently lapping at the beach edge made a sound that carried to me.

I remember the stress as I sat in an examination room. The clock ticked on and I wondered if the cramp in my writing hand would allow me to finish writing in time to complete all I knew in answer to the questions. I remember, too, getting my computer to count the words in an assignment in the long dark hours as the morning deadline drew closer and my eyes got heavier.

I remember sitting in a heart surgeon’s office and in answer to “What are you here for?” finding the words to tell of a history of tests and recommendations which concluded with “I am told you are the man to replace my heart valve.”

I have heard to the words “We are undertaking some reorganisation of staff and I am sorry to tell you it will affect you.”

I could go on and tell of many more situations but you have your own to think about. Real situations where in the midst of life, there was God.

It is sometimes easy to recognise God in the quiet place but do we recognise him in every place?

Psalm 27:1-25 (The Message)
1 Light, space, zest— that's God!
So, with him on my side I'm fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.

2 When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.

3 When besieged,
I'm calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I'm collected and cool.

4 I'm asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I'll contemplate his beauty;
I'll study at his feet.

5 That's the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.

6 God holds me head and shoulders
above all who try to pull me down.
I'm headed for his place to offer anthems
that will raise the roof!
Already I'm singing God-songs;
I'm making music to God.

7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs:
"Be good to me! Answer me!"
When my heart whispered, "Seek God,"
my whole being replied,
"I'm seeking him!"
Don't hide from me now!

9-10 You've always been right there for me;
don't turn your back on me now.
Don't throw me out, don't abandon me;
you've always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
but God took me in.

11-12 Point me down your highway, God;
direct me along a well-lighted street;
show my enemies whose side you're on.
Don't throw me to the dogs,
those liars who are out to get me,
filling the air with their threats.

13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness
in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again:
Stay with God.

Prayer: (Using our Song Book as a Prayer Book)

[Listen: Tune – Lloyd: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_850.mp3 ]

Dear Lord, I lift my heart to thee,
My helplessness I own;
The way before I cannot see,
I dare not walk alone.

More clearly would I realize
Thy presence and thy power,
Not only under summer skies,
But in the darkest hour.

Not only when I sense thee near
Art thou most surely nigh,
Nor hast thou, Lord, a quicker ear
Because my faith is high.

My changing moods do not control
Thy covenanted aid;
Thou hast the guarding of my soul,
And I am not afraid.

So often in the pleasant place
Our faith depends on sight;
The temper of my trust must face
Its trial in the night.

Then quietness and confidence
And waiting on the Lord
Shall be my strength, my sure defense,
And peace be my reward.
Author: John Izzard (1924 - )
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 717
Tunes: Wiltshire, 143; Ellacombe, 147
Meter: C.M.

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