Note: This was supposed to be last week’s blog entry, but because I couldn’t get connected to internet in Papua New Guinea, it sat in my inbox, and I could never update the blog. So, this is a follow-up to the post two weeks ago… And, can I say…it’s nice to be back on US soil! Next week’s blog was written in PNG…so come back!
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After many months of studying and praying through the Psalms, I have come to the end of the book.
Recently, I told my husband that every time I must begin afresh in a new area of study, I feel like I’m saying good-bye to a best friend; and, I don’t really want to make new friends with anyone else.
Maybe that speaks to the number of times I’ve moved and travelled, made new friends, and then had to say good-bye. Perhaps I need a counselor…
…but, I’ve digressed.
As I focused on the final chapters in this book that warms my soul, and speaks to the humanity of man at all levels, I noticed that the word “praise” is repetitive. You can’t help but notice it.
In practically every passage, the Hebrew word used is “halal”… I love its meaning:
Of course, my mind traveled to a faraway spot, way back-in-time, to a place somewhere in the midst of Jerusalem, as King David helps escort the Presence of God (AKA: the Ark of the Covenant) back into the city after a very long absence. He’s stripped to his underwear, dancing, celebrating, blessing and praising the Lord of Hosts. He blesses the people, gives some pretty costly gifts, sacrifices burnt offerings in the temple…there is nothing to compare to it in all of Scripture. The closest we see is the celebration following the crossing of the Red Sea.
Then there’s Michal. The King’s wife. Saul’s daughter.
Watching.
The look on her face reveals what’s in her heart: contempt.
Her husband is vile and worthless in her sight.
My heart wrestles as I read the account tin 2 Samuel 6.
I want to be David.
Wildly abandoned to the praise of all God has done in my life.
Celebrating the moments of His Presence.
But I fear, I’m a bit more Michal, than David.
The words David spoke to her, resonate with me.
The result: “and, the Lord God gave David rest from his enemies…”
What happened to Michal? “…and Michal was barren…”
I desire David’s freedom, his rest…
and, as we approach the beginning of Advent, in a little over a month, I want to see some new ways that Christ can be born into the midst of my life.
May I be known as a woman of praise and celebration of my Lord.
May I learn how to “halal…” in a way that is appropriate to each instance of God’s interaction into my life…and, in a way that celebrates His arrival.
After such incredible ministry opportunities in PNG, I feel like “halal” is the only appropriate word to use as I sit with the Lord this morning….and I pick up an instrument of praise (right now, that would be my pen) to celebrate and bring Him glory for all His mighty works!
I desire to bring the Lord a true heart of worship…
