Monday, April 07, 2008

Praise to the LORD, the Almighty

This is a repost from October. It seemed fitting given the occasion.

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I've had the privilege recently to understand AGAIN through practice what it means to let go of something with a complete lack of understanding ANYTHING, save the necessity of obedience. Truly, I spent the next few days pondering that to accept all of life's joys and none of its sorrows is nothing less than spiritually immature. Things had been going so well in my life, I appreciated the small jolt back to reality: that we live in a fallen world cursed by sin that reaches even to the smallest and most helpless of its creatures. NONE can escape its grip except for those whom the Father has chosen from the beginning of time to reveal as His sons. In the middle of the sorrow, God was quite gracious to extend to me His love and care through the truth and knowledge of Him and His reign over all things. Nothing escapes His notice. Furthermore, looking to the experience that brings the pain to look for some measure of comfort is futile. One can ONLY find healing balm with one's eyes fixed on the Father. Let this be a lesson to me that no matter WHAT painful experience occurs, I MUST keep my eyes fixed on the LORD who orders all things for my good and for His glory, which brings inexplicable comfort and peace.


Praise to the LORD, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O, my soul praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the LORD, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
shelters thee under his wings, yea so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the LORD, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee!
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee;
ponder anew what the Almighty will do, if with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the LORD, who with marvelous wisdom hath made thee,
decked thee with health, and with loving hand guided and stayed thee.
How oft in grief hath not He brought thee relief, spreading His wings to o'er shade thee!

Praise to the LORD! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen sound from His people again; gladly fore'er we adore Him.

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