- My heart is stirred by a noble theme.
Ok, so that’s from Psalm 45 and this is all about Psalm 105, but it’s the fragment of a Psalm that got me back in the way of the Psalms once more.
Our heart can be stirred by all manner of things, for better or worse, which is reason enough to seek context for that ‘better and worse’ in the Psalms.
These slices of worship aren’t hyped-up, rose-tinted throwaways. Rather, they reframe the everyday through the lens and language of God: Father, Creator, Lover, Sustainer…the one cares intimately about our better and worse.
Psalm 105 is a longer one, 45 verses in all, but the major theme is laid out early: seek the Lord and His strength and seek His presence continually (verse 4).
And what’s the catalyst for drawing near to Him? The psalmist tells us the very next breath, ‘Remember’.
‘Remember the world of wonders He’s made’ (v5)
‘Remember his covenant forever’ (v8)
‘Remember how he’s multiplied us’ (v10, 24)
‘Remember how he’s brought us out of captivity’ (v37)
‘Remember how, day by day, he provided for us’ (v40)
Remember, remember, remember.
And why? Does remembering equate with seeking the Lord, his strength and his presence continually? Not necessarily, but it reminds us again – in case we’ve wandered – He’s faithful. It reminds us that the One that the worship leader is pointing us to in verses 5-6, is entirely powerful. That He’s good company to keep.
Simply telling someone that something’s good for them – profitable, wholesome, excellent, worthy – is not nearly as reminding them why.
The goodness of God in our story, the goodness of God towards us in His creative acts, these are all reminders that He desires to be with us, continually.
Most profoundly, this is demonstrated in the incarnation. Emmanuel: God with us. The gift of Jesus to bring us into right standing with the One we’re seeking. And equally profoundly, the gift of the Holy Spirit: helper in our weakness, teacher, intercessor, Jesus-revealer and sin-convictor.
God wants and longs for our seeking of His presence continually – for our good and His glory.
Where to start? Remember, remember, remember.