Hit Me with Your Best Shot
We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the times of old; Psalm 44:2 (Hebrew World Translation)
You performed – Where is God when we need Him? That seems to be the theme of this psalm. If you read a bit further, you will hear David plead for God’s intervention. You will hear him say that he does not trust in his own strength. You will listen to him cry for deliverance. David based his supplications on the history of God’s acts among His people. He knows the stories. So do we. All of this sounds so familiar. In the past, God performed (the verb is pa’al). poal-pa’alta is “the work that you worked,” or “the deeds that you did.” Notice that the verb and the noun are from the same consonant root and are tied together as a single thought. God is what He does, and what He does is care for Israel. That is the covenant promise.
But something is drastically wrong! In spite of David’s declarations of dependence, the psalm turns sour. “You have cast us off. You have put us to shame. You have given us like sheep to the slaughter. You have scattered us. You have sold us for nothing. You have made us a laughingstock.” How can this be? Have we not trusted You? Have we not obeyed Your mishpatim? Then why, Lord, why? Isn’t Your holy name disgraced when Your own people are treated like this?
Perhaps we have experienced similar circumstances. Perhaps even now we find ourselves wondering how it is possible that YHWH allows (?) such despicable treatment of His chosen. But there is something about David’s psalm that might not be part of our worldview; something that we dare not overlook. David’s psalm assumes that everything that happens comes about because of God’s hand. God doesn’t simply allow these circumstances. God initiates them. “You have cast us off. You have given us to the slaughter. You have sold us.” It is not that God simply stepped out of the way. God is actively creating this situation. The difference between David’s world and our world is this: for David there is no distinction between what God does and what happens in the world. What God does is what happens in the world! Sovereignty covers everything! We, on the other hand, often think that our struggle is with Satan or evil or demons and that we need to plead for God to come to the battle on our behalf. I would daresay that we never imagine that God Himself is the active agent behind our catastrophes. So when we read David’s psalm we don’t read what he actually writes. We filter his words through our worldview of the battle between good and evil and since God can’t be on the side of what is evil, we dismiss David’s real claim about God’s total sovereignty. In our world, there are two kinds of spiritual superpowers. In David’s world, there is only One.
Is it any wonder that David can say, “My confusion is before me all day,” and “Awake, why do you sleep, O Lord?” David isn’t battling Satan. David is struggling with God. David is entreating YHWH for enlightenment. In David’s view, sovereignty anticipates certainty in spite of temporary obstacles. God certainly has chosen Israel. All David’s experiences seemed opposed to this certainty. BUT HE DOESN’T GIVE UP! In David’s world, it isn’t about some spiritual oppressor or some demonic destroyer. It’s only about God. And that’s all it’s about.
I wonder if we face our trials and confusion with the same perspective. I wonder if we are truly struggling with God Himself or if we somehow think the battle is with someone else. I wonder just how far our views of sovereignty really reach.
Topical Index: sovereignty, perform, pa’al, Psalm 44:2
The Sovereignty of G-d. Absolute and absolutely. In totality, -from the telescopic to the microscopic- G-d is “large and in charge.” The good, the bad, the ugly- He reigns “over all.” “Both” the light and the darkness are both alike unto Him. The hairs of every head that ever lived are all numbered by G-d. He knows the stars and He calls them by name. Just how big is G-d? … “bigger.”
G-d is infinite,- we are not. My little brain cannot comprehend something or rather Someone who forms planets and yet knows when a sparrow falls. Again, unless Yah reveals Himself unto us- there is no way for us to know Him. And yet, (may I?), Hallel Yah! (praise G-d!)- our G-d, “the” G-d, (not a god) of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has chosen (in His Sovereign will) to reveal Himself to us. -How does He do this? -the “why” is because He loves us.. -but let us look at the “how.”
By Creation. The good LORD made it all. “The heavens declare the glory of G-d and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”- ADONAI is quite the Artist. Amen? The watch upon my wrist “declares” a watch factory somewhere and also a watch designer. For lack of space and time- G-d declares Himself to us by creation. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills”- yes, but let us look a little further than the mountains- to the Maker of the mountains!
By Calvary. If any of us want to know the heart of G-d, we must go to and kneel before Calvary’s cross. Whether male or female, Jew or Gentile.. until we go (by faith) and “bow the knee” -realizing and recognizing the Divine ONE walked among us, -upon the very soil He created, -showed us, demonstrated for us and unto us, how to live, laugh and love, then voluntarily laid down His life for His friends (that’s us folks!)-we will never know the love of G-d.
By His children. Do you know any of these who call themselves “Christians?” I do. Yes, I’ve seen the “bad eggs” so save your stories..- But friends, I’ve seen the “good eggs” and their lives testify to a “change” only G-d can perform. It is the “change” from darkness unto light. These each have had their “aha moments!” I can look at them at say, without stutter or stammer- “G-d did that!” One of the greatest “witnesses” or validation of the truth of G-d’s Word(s) is a changed life. If you’ve never seen this in anyone, my pity is extended to you and my prayer is -may your eyes be opened.
By His church. G-d has made sufficient change in His chosen to where they enjoy being with one another and want to gather together as brothers and sisters in Christ. They hunger and thirst after righteousness and want to not only hear more about (the) Christ, but it seems they are willing to invest their time and resources into sharing this good news concerning the Messiah with others.
By the covenant. G-d does nothing “randomly.” Everything, (everything) He does is (both) purposeful and perfect. Remember (please)- He (alone) is holy. He is the just ONE- not us. “He does all things well.” Who is faithful? He is. Who is just?- He is. Who is righteous? He is. Who is love? He is. -Shall we continue? “Every good gift and every (every) perfect gift..-is from Above and comes down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness -neither shadow of turning.” -What shall we say to these things? lol! Dear friends,-“Praise G-d from whom all blessings flow..” -praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above, you heavenly hosts.. -Praise Father-Son-and Holy Ghost!”
“Yes, I’ve seen the “bad eggs” so save your stories..”
Dear Carl, With the obvious to everyone dysfunction of the sad state of the little “c” church, we that recount our war stories are just trying to make some sense of all the turmoil. All the “best life now” theology is simply NOT reality, and so we lament. The “think happy thoughts” group seems to be what others struggle with…the questions of life and the battles people encounter seem to be the substance of our pursuit of shalom. Yes, we get that it’s all about Him, but the pain can be so unbearable at times, please choose to pray for us rather than pity us, until we get there…
Mary, you wrote: ” we that recount our war stories are just trying to make some sense of all the turmoil.”‘and
” but the pain can be so unbearable at times, please choose to pray for us rather than pity us, until we get there…”
I read, and re- read several times your heart’s cry; the pain palpable, onerous and oozing.
It so resonated in my spirit that I could still hear echoed faintly the words of my own cries and pleas to Yah from what now seems long ago and far away, but in truth it has been not so far removed, nor long forgotten. While I have been granted reprieve from my laments, struggles and pains I realized that Pride has separated me from those whose struggles and pains are yet evident, immediate, visceral, grievous and raw. For that I repent and ask you and those who are in pain: what can I do, in addition to prayer, to help bear your burden, lighten your load and give you hope? In Him, Michael
My e- mail is stanleynm@aol.com for anyone who desires to communicate. Shalom.
Mary- we are in this- together. There is only one perfect person ever to have lived. (Surprise!) – I am not Him. But (another surprise) G-d accepts us and loves us (all)- just as we are. In our current, sad or happy state- “just as we are.” This is His unconditional love. But, “Sinners only”- need apply. Oh, I am so qualified for grace.
(For) I (too) 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.
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.
We know the “name it and claim it” crowd. We know the “joy-boys”. But we also hold in our hands the power of the “off” switch. Why are we (continually) filling our heads with stuff and nonsense? Why does G-d allow these people to preach and proclaim a gospel which is false? Mary, I am comforted (strengthened) by His words, -“I will build my church.” (Matthew 16.18) This “build-a-bride” business belongs to Him. He will see to it. What He starts- He also faithfully finishes. And this includes His transforming power at work in each of us, conforming (a word of heat and pressure) us (each and all) into the image of the Son. “I am convinced of this, that the One who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the Day of the Messiah Jesus.” (Philippians 1.6)
This quote has always helped me to hang on tight, but nothing stops my questioning WHY. I always want to know, What am I TO DO?
“We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.” – Charles West
Skip, your choice of a title today had me grinning. When one of my granddaughters was about three, she would sing this song in the way she understood it: Hit me with your wet socks. That kind of mirrors how we might understand the WORD at times. 🙂
Gayle, my first belly laugh of the day… ♥ ” Hit me with your wet socks.”
jan
THANK YOU SO MUCH SKIP FOR SOLIDIFYING MY BELIEFS ABOUT 9/11 – SOMEHOW I KNEW MY INCLINATIONS WERE FROM HIM… ♥
HE IS FAITHFUL TO CONFIRM HIS WORD(S) TO US… ♥
JAN
AND – I TRULY DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE/BELIEVERS OF THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE CAN READ THE OLD TESTAMENT & NOT KNOW THAT GOD IS IN THE EVIL AS WELL AS THE GOOD – HOW CAN ANYONE NOT SEE THAT??? SELECTIVE SEEING/HEARING I WOULD GUESS…
JAN
“You have cast us off. You have put us to shame. You have given us like sheep to the slaughter.”
Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Hmmm
So on the one hand it seems that God creates, for example, the current world of the Middle East for us to contemplate (“the outer”)
And on the other hand, he seems to send the heat of the flaming sword of the cherubayim for us to contemplate (“the inner”)
I would guess that both types of experiences could be fairly terrifying to remember or look forward to
And to focus on the “presence of God” might be the only way out
BTW
In a psalm of David that appears in 2Samuel 22:11 and Psalms 18:10, David said that the Lord “rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.”
Check out today’s word in JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young. It is another facet of a healthy perspective on God’s sovereignty. Here is how it begins: “Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I (YHWH) have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding.”
Thank you for pointing out that vital detail, Cyndee.
Skip – couldn’t David’s statements be more a reflection of his ‘angst’ in the situation, rather than a statement of his ‘systematical theology’? In other words, it was his perception of what was going on, rather than a doctrinal axiom?
John
Certainly David’s psalm reflects his perception of the moment, but the point is that the Hebraic worldview doesn’t see the world as the victim of two opposing cosmic forces – good and evil. It sees the world saturated with the hand of God, whether the present conditions are deemed good or evil. So David doesn’t complain that the devil is loose ruining his life. He turns to God whom he knows as the caring and compassionate Father and says, “What’s going on here?” Beneath the psychological and phenomenological surface is a deeper theological principle. God is in charge. Period. What happens happens because it somehow fits His plan. That is the principle that allows David to cite past protection and claim it in the present.
SKIP – YOU JUST CONFIRMED WHAT I WROTE HERE 28 min. later:
The Politics of Jesus
Jan Carver
August 8, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Roderick, I see now what you are/were saying about – why wanting to understand & be understood exempts you for childhood – but i did desire to be understood & understand when i was a child perhaps not to the extent of an adult but i did. Perhaps the age of a child may factor in also. A very small child age 1 to 3 or 4 but past that & you get the thinking processes going – you want to understand & be understood. I didn’t want to wear two different color socks – i wanted them to match – i understood matching was good (in my perception) & couldn’t understand why my mother didn’t?!?!?! Different personalities factor into this also…
Perhaps if my gaze had shifted to me as a focal point – i may have accomplished more in life than i have – seems it has never been about me – was not allowed that luxury!!! AND – i am a very strong willed person/child & i still didn’t get/have my way in life (imagine that)!!!
“How is a child greater? The answer is not found in the actual behavior of a child but in an adult’s perception of a child. Adults see that a child doesn’t strive to take over.” [my parents would have disagreed here – they thought i was trying to take over & did sometimes but was stilled ruled with an iron rod of control & abuse – i was subjugated but fighting for control to be me/myself/have an identity].
” Adults believe that a child should accept his or her place under the authority. Adults think a child should go where he is told to go. Adults expect a child to follow the guidance of her parents. Tapeinos is related to meizon through the perception of expected behavior. A child doesn’t concern himself with his own importance. He doesn’t vie for position. A child does what he is told to do (at least that is the expectation).” [not necessarily – not in really dysfunctional settings/families – sometimes if a child does not concern himself with his own importance he may not survive – this would sound true & work in a loving non-abusive family & children with siblings are always vying/jockeying for position for sure] – this scenario would work for a child in a loving/submissive upbringing but when you are fighting for your life – this works differently]. Also brings on a relationship with Jesus at a very early age because you know He is the only One who can protect you; therefore it is you & HE very early on… ♥
“Who is important in the Kingdom? The one who, like a child, leaves the question of importance to someone else. Who is important? The one who does what he is asked to do without regard to status. Who is important? The one who defers to another’s leading.” [when you are forced to defer to the only loving Father you have known in life God/Jesus for your life & well being – perhaps you will always be a child in His eyes – there is no “me” & never has been. The world would think this inappropriate for living but perhaps He prefers it that way].
“How important are you? Ask those around you if you act like a child.” [AND even though we are to love ourselves so as to love our neighbors or vice versa – we are to defer/esteem those higher than ourselves – as a loving innocent child to His Father/Mother].
I can truly say that I thank God for my abusive childhood because it drove me into the arms of Jesus at an early age & a dependency that the world would look upon as abnormal. Oh, this journey of love that each of us are on – how wonderful & magnificent are His works… ♥ Again, God’s sovereignty & good in evil…
jan
Well put. Thanks, Skip!
Gayle, from now on.. -I too, will be singing, -“hit me with your wet socks”- lol! -Out of the mouth of babes..
Skip, this is an excellent teaching on the sovereignty of God, however, try and explain this to your average Christian and they will probably say that your are blaspheming God.
Yup! the average Christian is Greek, not Hebrew and the worldview is Western, not Eastern. Makes you wonder how it all changed.