How to Tell a Story (1895) By Mark Twain.
Unlike the previous essay, I enjoyed this one without reservation. My favorite part came in the beginning though - "There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind - the humorous. I will talk mainly about that one. The humorous story is American, the comic story is English, the witty story is French. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of the telling; the comic story and the witty story upon the matter. The humorous story may be spun out to great length, and may wander around as much as it pleases, and arrive nowhere in particular; but the comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a point. The humorous story bubbles gently along, the others burst" (Twain, 70). I thought that was a very succinct and true speculation of the differences in storytelling between the three countries that holds relatively true even today. I like to think of myself as being born on the wrong side of the Atlantic, but after reading this and examining my own storytelling I find that I am alas, a humorous writer and not a comic one. I always knew I wasn't overly witty, I rely to much on wordplays and puns for that moniker. I wouldn't have made it at a French court to save my life. But, here I am bubbling along and not arriving anywhere in particular.
Twain finishes the essay with two tales, The Wounded Soldier and The Golden Arm. These are humorous tropes and quite frankly I can see myself telling a tale like this and interposing and intertwining completely unrelated details to arrive at the end, which really isn't all that fascinating or important. I've just got to work on my timing I guess. That's what Twain says to do anyway. Where was I again? Oh yeah... Who's got me golden arm? I think the soldier lost it and that's why I'm carrying him. No, I haven't got my timing down yet. I'll practice that some more and come tell you about it later...
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Twain - Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences
Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences (1895). By Mark Twain.
This little essay has to be the least favorite of mine in this collection. While there was substantial humor in some of the outlandish attacks on the writings of James Fenimore Cooper. "It seems to me that it was far from right for the Professor of English Literature in Yale, the Professor of English Literature in Columbia, and Wilkie Collins, to deliver opinions on Cooper's literature without having read some of it" (Twain, 59). That's very funny. It's smart, witty and quick. "Cooper's art has some defects. In one place in Deerslayer, and in the restricted space of two-thirds of a page, Cooper has scored 114 offences against literary art out of a possible 115. It breaks the record" (Twain, 59). That's outrageous. That's what makes it funny. I read this and settled in for what I thought would be a funny essay. What I got was seemingly mean-spirited and overly judgmental.
I'll admit I like Cooper. I liked The Last of the Mohicans; I loved The Spy. But, I like Twain substantially more than I like Cooper. But, the more I read him criticizing and criticizing Cooper, I got to wondering if Twain didn't write that essay after one of his works was bashed in a newspaper. It got me thinking about chefs who spout off about critics after one gives them an unfavorable review. All in all, I thought the work was slightly unfair and unduly harsh. It didn't stop it from being funny. But I felt as if I was forced to laugh at a pretty descent storyteller to enjoy the essay.
This little essay has to be the least favorite of mine in this collection. While there was substantial humor in some of the outlandish attacks on the writings of James Fenimore Cooper. "It seems to me that it was far from right for the Professor of English Literature in Yale, the Professor of English Literature in Columbia, and Wilkie Collins, to deliver opinions on Cooper's literature without having read some of it" (Twain, 59). That's very funny. It's smart, witty and quick. "Cooper's art has some defects. In one place in Deerslayer, and in the restricted space of two-thirds of a page, Cooper has scored 114 offences against literary art out of a possible 115. It breaks the record" (Twain, 59). That's outrageous. That's what makes it funny. I read this and settled in for what I thought would be a funny essay. What I got was seemingly mean-spirited and overly judgmental.
I'll admit I like Cooper. I liked The Last of the Mohicans; I loved The Spy. But, I like Twain substantially more than I like Cooper. But, the more I read him criticizing and criticizing Cooper, I got to wondering if Twain didn't write that essay after one of his works was bashed in a newspaper. It got me thinking about chefs who spout off about critics after one gives them an unfavorable review. All in all, I thought the work was slightly unfair and unduly harsh. It didn't stop it from being funny. But I felt as if I was forced to laugh at a pretty descent storyteller to enjoy the essay.
A combination reflection of Psalm 31 & 34
In my reading a couple of days ago I bookmarked two verses, Psalm 31:4 and Psalm 34:7. I didn't realize at the time that the two would have a combination effect on me later when I wrote about what I read.
Psalm 31:4 states, "Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge."
Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them".
I feel like it is so easy to fall into traps. There are so many of them out there. Some of my own making, some that are tested and set up specifically for me and then some that are new. But, God is faithful to free me from them because He is my refuge. But, even better than that, if I was observant (which I'm not always) I wouldn't even fall into them because he would deliver me from them before I even fell in. So hear my prayer God. First, thank you for freeing me so many times from the traps of this life and making yourself my refuge. And make me observant enough so that I don't fall into them by delivering me from them! Hear me Lord, amen.
Psalm 31:4 states, "Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge."
Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them".
I feel like it is so easy to fall into traps. There are so many of them out there. Some of my own making, some that are tested and set up specifically for me and then some that are new. But, God is faithful to free me from them because He is my refuge. But, even better than that, if I was observant (which I'm not always) I wouldn't even fall into them because he would deliver me from them before I even fell in. So hear my prayer God. First, thank you for freeing me so many times from the traps of this life and making yourself my refuge. And make me observant enough so that I don't fall into them by delivering me from them! Hear me Lord, amen.
A perfect picture of God
Psalm 30:5 is not a difficult verse. In fact, it is a resolution of much of the difficulty in verses that make God seem harsh or unduly punitive. "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning".
I thank God that his anger only lasts a moment. I have felt that more than once in my lifetime when I've fallen short of his desire for me and run afoul of his plan. But, more often than those fleeting moments I have felt his favor and that lasts a lifetime.
As far as the difficult verses go though this verse sums up a perfect picture of God. God is justly angry and punishes, corrects, chastises and even causes pain for those who sin. But, this is only to bring us to Him. Sometimes without that gentle or even abrupt admonishment I might continue down the wrong path. Thankfully, He loves me enough and favors me enough to not let that happen.
I thank God that his anger only lasts a moment. I have felt that more than once in my lifetime when I've fallen short of his desire for me and run afoul of his plan. But, more often than those fleeting moments I have felt his favor and that lasts a lifetime.
As far as the difficult verses go though this verse sums up a perfect picture of God. God is justly angry and punishes, corrects, chastises and even causes pain for those who sin. But, this is only to bring us to Him. Sometimes without that gentle or even abrupt admonishment I might continue down the wrong path. Thankfully, He loves me enough and favors me enough to not let that happen.
Shame and God
Shame is a topic that's not fun to deal with or even discuss. It's such a strong feeling, emotion and state of being. It's nice to know that as a Christian, I shouldn't have to deal with it. It's comforting. It's full of hope. It's full of whatever the opposite of shame is. God gave me a good reminder of this in Psalm 25:3.
"No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse".
There is a promise of God. No one who hopes in Him will ever be put to shame. There is also a consequence noted from God. Whoever is treacherous without excuse will be put to shame. The word "treacherous" seems so harsh and on such a deep level. Whenever I think about the word I think of a backstabbing politician or general. I think of Benedict Arnold or of Tostig Godwinson coming to attack the English with the viking warlord Harald Hardrada. So initially, I glanced over the second part of the verse. But, something was gnawing at me so I just started with the simple act of looking up the definition of the word. I didn't need to consult a commentary or Strong's. As soon as I saw the Webster definition I knew what God was saying to me at this moment.
Treacherous is simply defined as being 'guilty of or involving betrayal or deception'. I wouldn't say that I'm often up for betraying someone. Even in my many rebellions against God these have been on account of selfishness, foolishness, being short-sighted or willfulness in wanting to do things my way. But, that word 'deceptive' struck at me. I tend to exaggerate or to omit bits of information to shape the conversation. It's one of my worst qualities. It might be admirable in certain aspects of the world, but I know in my heart of hearts it isn't right. I also understand where some of the being put to shame for treachery comes from. So hear my prayer Lord, may I not be deceitful in my speech. Instead fill me with your truth so that I speak only in that way. Amen.
"No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse".
There is a promise of God. No one who hopes in Him will ever be put to shame. There is also a consequence noted from God. Whoever is treacherous without excuse will be put to shame. The word "treacherous" seems so harsh and on such a deep level. Whenever I think about the word I think of a backstabbing politician or general. I think of Benedict Arnold or of Tostig Godwinson coming to attack the English with the viking warlord Harald Hardrada. So initially, I glanced over the second part of the verse. But, something was gnawing at me so I just started with the simple act of looking up the definition of the word. I didn't need to consult a commentary or Strong's. As soon as I saw the Webster definition I knew what God was saying to me at this moment.
Treacherous is simply defined as being 'guilty of or involving betrayal or deception'. I wouldn't say that I'm often up for betraying someone. Even in my many rebellions against God these have been on account of selfishness, foolishness, being short-sighted or willfulness in wanting to do things my way. But, that word 'deceptive' struck at me. I tend to exaggerate or to omit bits of information to shape the conversation. It's one of my worst qualities. It might be admirable in certain aspects of the world, but I know in my heart of hearts it isn't right. I also understand where some of the being put to shame for treachery comes from. So hear my prayer Lord, may I not be deceitful in my speech. Instead fill me with your truth so that I speak only in that way. Amen.
Hard verses of Psalm 21
In some of the other 'Difficult Verses' passages it has been easy for me to see God as a judge to account for their difficult nature. In those passages, God is righteous and his punishment for the wicked is analogous to a judge. But, in Psalm 22 this doesn't appear to be the case.
"At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the Lord will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed; for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow" (Psalm 21:9-12).
Here I see something different then God the judge. Here it seems like I see God the warrior. God is called the protector and refuge throughout the Psalms. But in chapter 21 we see God going on the offensive. But, even in this mode as the warrior, God is still acting on his ultimate righteousness. He is taking out the enemies of God and His people. He is still protecting. While I haven't quite come to a conclusion on this passage, what I do know is that God is not a passive God. He is active and involved in the lives of His people. It is His bow that will make the enemies of his people turn back. It is through the victories that God gave that has made his people glorious. It is through God's gift that has given them splendor and majesty. It's hard not to see God as Zeus wielding a thunderbolt to protect his people in this passage. I have to fight that imagery because I know it's inaccurate. But, my inaccuracies don't take away from God's glory or person. I simply have to know that God's righteousness demands action and that He is not afraid or unwilling to act.
"At the time of your appearing you will make them like a fiery furnace. In his wrath the Lord will swallow them up, and his fire will consume them. You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from mankind. Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed; for you will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow" (Psalm 21:9-12).
Here I see something different then God the judge. Here it seems like I see God the warrior. God is called the protector and refuge throughout the Psalms. But in chapter 21 we see God going on the offensive. But, even in this mode as the warrior, God is still acting on his ultimate righteousness. He is taking out the enemies of God and His people. He is still protecting. While I haven't quite come to a conclusion on this passage, what I do know is that God is not a passive God. He is active and involved in the lives of His people. It is His bow that will make the enemies of his people turn back. It is through the victories that God gave that has made his people glorious. It is through God's gift that has given them splendor and majesty. It's hard not to see God as Zeus wielding a thunderbolt to protect his people in this passage. I have to fight that imagery because I know it's inaccurate. But, my inaccuracies don't take away from God's glory or person. I simply have to know that God's righteousness demands action and that He is not afraid or unwilling to act.
Reflection on Psalm 19:12-13
I came across another good verse for me to remember and write in my heart. Hear my prayer Lord, make this the goal of my life.
Psalm 19:12-13
"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression".
Lord you know my hidden faults. I am sure I have many. Please forgive me of them. But, the convicting part comes from verse 13. Keep me from willful sins. That word, willful, is so apt for me. I am headstrong, willful. This isn't always a good thing. It leads me to great transgression. I do pray though God, that you will forgive me and keep me from them, so they do not rule over me.
I find myself when I am in willful rebellion against what and who I know that my sins can become rulers over me. It's a trap that I know about, but one that I seem incapable of avoiding. Write this verse on my heart so that I can remember when my willfulness begins to pop up again. Change my heart and desires to reflect your heart and desires. Hear my prayer oh God.
Psalm 19:12-13
"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression".
Lord you know my hidden faults. I am sure I have many. Please forgive me of them. But, the convicting part comes from verse 13. Keep me from willful sins. That word, willful, is so apt for me. I am headstrong, willful. This isn't always a good thing. It leads me to great transgression. I do pray though God, that you will forgive me and keep me from them, so they do not rule over me.
I find myself when I am in willful rebellion against what and who I know that my sins can become rulers over me. It's a trap that I know about, but one that I seem incapable of avoiding. Write this verse on my heart so that I can remember when my willfulness begins to pop up again. Change my heart and desires to reflect your heart and desires. Hear my prayer oh God.
Apart from you I have no good thing
Every once and awhile I get a good shock from God. Sometimes I get a strong conviction. Sometimes I get a little jab to get me to do something. And sometimes I get a stark, but gentle reminder of who God is in my life. Psalm 16:2 was a combination of all three.
"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing'".
At first glance I was humbled by this short little passage. How true is it that I have nothing good apart from what God gives me? He has blessed me so much and given me so many good things. He's given me a beautiful, godly wife. He has given me a loving and godly family. He has given me a loving and godly in-law family. He has given me a good house. He has given me a good job. He has given me the ability to see so many parts of the world. He has given me all kinds of security. This verse was a reminder of all the things He has blessed me with.
But, then I reread the verse over and over again. Conviction. Jab. I had to look at the first part of that verse again. I say to the Lord. Unfortunately, I do not say to the Lord enough. Conviction. Jab. So here I proclaim, You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.
"I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing'".
At first glance I was humbled by this short little passage. How true is it that I have nothing good apart from what God gives me? He has blessed me so much and given me so many good things. He's given me a beautiful, godly wife. He has given me a loving and godly family. He has given me a loving and godly in-law family. He has given me a good house. He has given me a good job. He has given me the ability to see so many parts of the world. He has given me all kinds of security. This verse was a reminder of all the things He has blessed me with.
But, then I reread the verse over and over again. Conviction. Jab. I had to look at the first part of that verse again. I say to the Lord. Unfortunately, I do not say to the Lord enough. Conviction. Jab. So here I proclaim, You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.
God hates with a passion?
So in my reading I came across another difficult verse in Psalms 11.
Psalms 11:5-6
"The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot".
Not exactly the image of a loving God I seemed to get in Sunday School, is it? Again, we could probably easily explain it away in a flawed author (man) projecting his idea of what should happen, but I am still uncomfortable with that idea of explaining away the Bible. Contextually, it seems to highlight some of God's seemingly contradictory nature. On the one hand He is the refuge for the upright heart and on the other hand He is the judge of the wicked and doles out punishment. Verse 7 sort of resolves the issue though on what this nature of God is. He is a judge. "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face".
What seems contradictory is actually pretty easy to sum up by analogy. God is like a judge. On the righteous he passes forgiveness and protection. On the wicked he doles out punishment deservedly. Of course as I've started looking at what I've called the 'Difficult Verses', I'm starting to realize that most of these are difficult if they are taken out of context, but put into context with the whole of Scriptures the difficulty washes away. But, I'm sure that some won't see it that way. I guess in some sense, faith protects me from these difficulties.
Psalms 11:5-6
"The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot".
Not exactly the image of a loving God I seemed to get in Sunday School, is it? Again, we could probably easily explain it away in a flawed author (man) projecting his idea of what should happen, but I am still uncomfortable with that idea of explaining away the Bible. Contextually, it seems to highlight some of God's seemingly contradictory nature. On the one hand He is the refuge for the upright heart and on the other hand He is the judge of the wicked and doles out punishment. Verse 7 sort of resolves the issue though on what this nature of God is. He is a judge. "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face".
What seems contradictory is actually pretty easy to sum up by analogy. God is like a judge. On the righteous he passes forgiveness and protection. On the wicked he doles out punishment deservedly. Of course as I've started looking at what I've called the 'Difficult Verses', I'm starting to realize that most of these are difficult if they are taken out of context, but put into context with the whole of Scriptures the difficulty washes away. But, I'm sure that some won't see it that way. I guess in some sense, faith protects me from these difficulties.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Break his Arm God!
Something I noticed in Psalms 10 is one of what I call the
"difficult verses" of the Bible. These are verses that don't seem to
match up with our notion of a loving God or a God who is the embodiment
of morality. Of course these shouldn't be difficult verses for
Christians because they should accept God as He is presented throughout
the Word and where they might see something that is contrary to our
notion of who He is they should expand their notion. But, they are
difficult in the sense that they might trip up a believer in trying to
explain God to the unbelieving. While no Christian can have definitive
authority on God because no man can have definitive authority on God, I
have always thought about these verses and what I would say if
confronted by someone who does not believe on one of these verses. So in
my studies I will make note of the difficult verses and offer some
thoughts on them.
Psalm 10:15
"Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out".
Here we have a Psalmist calling for the loving God to 'break the arm' of someone. That's not very nice. So how is it reconciled with a loving God. Firstly, I don't know. Secondly, I don't have authoritative answers; that is not my claim here. These are just my thoughts.
My first thought is that it is in line with God's embodiment of justice. As a judge, God is within his rights to break the arm of the wicked man who has been oppressing, murdering, robbing and waylaying the weak. But, is that an effective way of ministering to someone seeking answers about God? Am I going to be able to win the lost soul to Christ by explaining that because God is perfect and can't stand sin He must crush it? Well, firstly I don't think it's my duty to win the lost soul to Christ and if I'm trying to do that then I'm being a bit presumptuous in my duties as a Christian. I think that Christians who are out to win souls for Christ are either misguided and believe too much in their own importance in God's work of saving souls or are prideful or are simply using old language that is ineffective in the post-modern age. It doesn't mean that God isn't using them or blessing them, only that God is using them in spite of them. But, I'm not in a position to criticize anyone so I apologize if that is the outcome. I just think that it's our duty as Christians to present the Gospel, not necessarily sugar coat it, but also not try and scare beings into submission either. God is absolute justice. God is the absolute judge. And, like earthly judges who mete out justice, God will level justice in the forms of punishment and He may break the arm of the wicked in doing so.
Another thought was that the Psalmist is imperfect and calling for earthly justice from a divine judge. I remember hearing someone once, I forget who, explained much of what we see as hard or difficult verses in the Old Testament as pointing to the fallibility of the human author. This may be the case. Certainly even the disciples of Jesus were looking for earthly justice against the Romans when Jesus was looking to further the kingdom of Heaven. They never could quite get into their heads what that kingdom was supposed to be and how the Romans could still be in charge if Jesus was establishing it. But, I must admit that I am uncomfortable with this notion. It may be the right answer, but it clashes with a belief I have in a strong Scriptures. But, I'll develop this further at a later point because I've got to run here in a second. And, undoubtedly this thought will pop into my head again when I stumble across another difficult verse because whoever I heard say something like this must have said it at a time when I was impressionable because it's left a lasting lineage in my line of thought.
The last thought I had simply came from the text itself. The beginning of the chapter is describing someone or some persons that are running afoul and oppressing those weaker than himself. The chapter ends with a declaration of God being above anyone with earthly power. "The Lord is King forever and ever, the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry; defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror" (Psalm 10:16-18). In this context, the Psalmist is asking the defender (God) to break the arm of the oppressive one. It might sound harsh, but some strong arms need some strong arming. In this way, God is defending those who cannot offer a defense themselves and defense is sometimes necessarily harsh. Again, this might not be the answer, but it was the thought that most stuck with me.
Psalm 10:15
"Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out".
Here we have a Psalmist calling for the loving God to 'break the arm' of someone. That's not very nice. So how is it reconciled with a loving God. Firstly, I don't know. Secondly, I don't have authoritative answers; that is not my claim here. These are just my thoughts.
My first thought is that it is in line with God's embodiment of justice. As a judge, God is within his rights to break the arm of the wicked man who has been oppressing, murdering, robbing and waylaying the weak. But, is that an effective way of ministering to someone seeking answers about God? Am I going to be able to win the lost soul to Christ by explaining that because God is perfect and can't stand sin He must crush it? Well, firstly I don't think it's my duty to win the lost soul to Christ and if I'm trying to do that then I'm being a bit presumptuous in my duties as a Christian. I think that Christians who are out to win souls for Christ are either misguided and believe too much in their own importance in God's work of saving souls or are prideful or are simply using old language that is ineffective in the post-modern age. It doesn't mean that God isn't using them or blessing them, only that God is using them in spite of them. But, I'm not in a position to criticize anyone so I apologize if that is the outcome. I just think that it's our duty as Christians to present the Gospel, not necessarily sugar coat it, but also not try and scare beings into submission either. God is absolute justice. God is the absolute judge. And, like earthly judges who mete out justice, God will level justice in the forms of punishment and He may break the arm of the wicked in doing so.
Another thought was that the Psalmist is imperfect and calling for earthly justice from a divine judge. I remember hearing someone once, I forget who, explained much of what we see as hard or difficult verses in the Old Testament as pointing to the fallibility of the human author. This may be the case. Certainly even the disciples of Jesus were looking for earthly justice against the Romans when Jesus was looking to further the kingdom of Heaven. They never could quite get into their heads what that kingdom was supposed to be and how the Romans could still be in charge if Jesus was establishing it. But, I must admit that I am uncomfortable with this notion. It may be the right answer, but it clashes with a belief I have in a strong Scriptures. But, I'll develop this further at a later point because I've got to run here in a second. And, undoubtedly this thought will pop into my head again when I stumble across another difficult verse because whoever I heard say something like this must have said it at a time when I was impressionable because it's left a lasting lineage in my line of thought.
The last thought I had simply came from the text itself. The beginning of the chapter is describing someone or some persons that are running afoul and oppressing those weaker than himself. The chapter ends with a declaration of God being above anyone with earthly power. "The Lord is King forever and ever, the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry; defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror" (Psalm 10:16-18). In this context, the Psalmist is asking the defender (God) to break the arm of the oppressive one. It might sound harsh, but some strong arms need some strong arming. In this way, God is defending those who cannot offer a defense themselves and defense is sometimes necessarily harsh. Again, this might not be the answer, but it was the thought that most stuck with me.
Thoughts on Psalms 10
In my reading yesterday I came across a verse on pride in Psalms 10 that served me as a reminder to be on guard against the ever present pride lurking in me.
Psalm 10:4
"In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God".
The Psalmist opened this chapter with questioning why God stands at a distance, "Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" For me, I understand why. It is because of my pride. In all my thoughts there is no room for God. God isn't standing at a distance from me in my times of trouble because he is indifferent to my troubles. He is at a distance because I haven't made room for Him. Hear my prayer Lord, I make room for you.
Psalm 10:4
"In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God".
The Psalmist opened this chapter with questioning why God stands at a distance, "Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" For me, I understand why. It is because of my pride. In all my thoughts there is no room for God. God isn't standing at a distance from me in my times of trouble because he is indifferent to my troubles. He is at a distance because I haven't made room for Him. Hear my prayer Lord, I make room for you.
Evil & Disillusionment in Psalms 7
Psalm 7:14-16
"Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a whole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads."
I've always been aware that the Bible teaches, especially in the Old Testament, that the sinners often find themselves suffering from their own sins. Even when they set out to do others harm, they do themselves the harm. But, verse 14 hit at me this week in reading. "Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment". I think with some of the mistakes I've made recently I'm finding that I have conceived trouble for myself and given birth to disillusionment. I've been disenchanted, disenfranchised and disillusioned with many things going on, especially work related recently. And I thought it had a lot to do with the stagnation at work, but I think that this verse, in light of my recent struggles has pinned down the root cause and it has nothing to do with work at all.
So my prayer for today is for my God to come and rescue me from the evil that I have become impregnated with. I find myself embarrassed and ashamed of it have ever occurring but I find that I can't deny or explain it away. It comes to the point where I must stand up and apologize and beg forgiveness for falling away. Not on account of any righteousness within me, but simply because the feeling of disillusionment, this state of being, is so painful, it has rendered me broken. So I ask for forgiveness Lord. Wash away the stain of sin and cleanse me from the evil I have engaged with and become entangled by. Do not let my decisions deprive me of my belief that gives hope. Do not let me sink further into this pit I have dug. Hear my prayer.
"Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Whoever digs a whole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads."
I've always been aware that the Bible teaches, especially in the Old Testament, that the sinners often find themselves suffering from their own sins. Even when they set out to do others harm, they do themselves the harm. But, verse 14 hit at me this week in reading. "Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment". I think with some of the mistakes I've made recently I'm finding that I have conceived trouble for myself and given birth to disillusionment. I've been disenchanted, disenfranchised and disillusioned with many things going on, especially work related recently. And I thought it had a lot to do with the stagnation at work, but I think that this verse, in light of my recent struggles has pinned down the root cause and it has nothing to do with work at all.
So my prayer for today is for my God to come and rescue me from the evil that I have become impregnated with. I find myself embarrassed and ashamed of it have ever occurring but I find that I can't deny or explain it away. It comes to the point where I must stand up and apologize and beg forgiveness for falling away. Not on account of any righteousness within me, but simply because the feeling of disillusionment, this state of being, is so painful, it has rendered me broken. So I ask for forgiveness Lord. Wash away the stain of sin and cleanse me from the evil I have engaged with and become entangled by. Do not let my decisions deprive me of my belief that gives hope. Do not let me sink further into this pit I have dug. Hear my prayer.
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