Christianity is hopeful. There is a radiance about our belief that is soul-satisfying, and counteracts the negativity of the mortal world that seeks to sow chaos, lack of discipline, self-centeredness, pride, attention-seeking, and sin. God is in the business of showing love, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness.
I heard a new Christian song on the radio yesterday that is quite original in its content. I wish I could tell you who the artist is. I was driving in traffic, up to my eyeballs in figuring out how to get my sister Dottie moved to her new residence as seamlessly as possible, when I heart its refreshing message. It basically starts out with the idea that preaching is the way we strengthen our faith. I have nothing to refute about that. Unless we are sitting under responsible preachers, solidly scripture-based in their theology and messages, we cannot grow toward sanctification. But this song carries the idea a bit further. It says, I want my life to preach. In other words, we should seek to practice what we preach and leave the preaching to those trained in theology and called to that position among us, but we, in our actions, can sow peace, love, understanding, compassion, and adherence to gospel principles in our daily actions. That leads me to believe that Emerson, I believe was right in saying, “I’d rather see a preacher than hear a sermon anytime,” or some such idea.
If we’re honest about it, every time we compliment someone on his or her service, every time we take notice of acts of kindness, we are in the presence of servanthood and that person, either Christian or merely kind-hearted, is an example of hope-sharing. And the world certainly needs that today, right?
Here, then, is the Psalm I wrote in 2016 as I was composing my book Restore My Soul Psalms, a Lenten Journey. May it bless your understanding and mine as we serve the Lord Jesus in practical ways in our daily life. We’re not attention-seeking in doing that. We need to be honest in our compliments, remembering saints such as Mother Teresa who treated the “least among us” as kings and emperors, just as Jesus showed us how to do. Then, our lives will indeed, preach the Gospel to a world desperately in need of hope. We never will know, nor should we, how that ripple effect will spread, and the glow of Jesus’ love with expand from person to person throughout the day. We could change the whole world for the better and discover that we indeed all should be preachers of kindness, goodness, mercy, love, and, indeed, hope.
MY PSALM 331 HOPE
Almighty God, Merciful Father, Creator of all,
With joy we praise Your Name this day.
When we were lost, sinful, disobedient,
You loved us enough to want us to know You intimately.
You promised to be our God if we became Your children,
And although we stumble and fall, and
Sometimes defy You like mischievous toddlers,
You come to us patiently forgiving us repeatedly
When we follow our own will, neglecting You.
We err, we stray, we rebel, we turn deaf ears
To Your truth, to Your plan, to Your direction.
Forgive us yet again, bring us back to You,
Raise us up to understand You know what is best
For You made us, You planned for us to be Yours
From before time, and to Your Glory,
You will win the battle for our souls.
As we consider Passion week, we remember the cost.
We can’t fathom the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
He Who knew no sin, He who dwelled with You on high
Became a man so we could become Your children.
He taught us how to live for You
And when we get out of the way and pledge our allegiance
To You, we find the pathway straight and the plains level.
We see atonement, love, hope, peace, and salvation.
We are humbled that You loved us enough to send Jesus,
The Prince of Peace, the Son You love, the Perfect Sacrifice
Who not only conquered life, abundantly,
But conquered death so that we might live eternally.
Everlasting Thanksgiving for bringing us hope,
Not only in this life, but in the life of eternity to come.
We are humbled, we are thankful,
And we bow before Your Presence
For loving us enough to provide a plan for our salvation
And the hope of spending eternity in praise to Your Name.
In the blessed Name of Jesus, our Savior, Amen.
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