Good day, sojourners in a foreign land,
(A sojourner is a person who resides temporarily in a place.)

 

This week I got a mild dose of the stomach flu.   Not exactly Suffering

but uncomfortable and certainly disruptive to the week's schedule. 

 

Thursday and Today's Psalms in the 2 year reading guide had some interesting contrasts 

that the flu gave me extra time to ponder....

 

 Psalm 21:1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,     

and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

2  You have given him his heart’s desire     

and have not withheld the request of his lips.  

 

 Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?     

Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
2  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,     

and by night, but I find no rest.  

 

Same author - David.

Same God - Our Lord

Opposite experiences - right next to each other in the scriptural record.

 

The words were not written for us to be promises (I would want the ones in Psalm 21, but not 22)

but reflections of seasons in life.  

One - a time of blessing and favour.  

The other - a time of disappointment and grief.

 

Same person, same God - different seasons

 

This Saturday afternoon come gather to celebrate and reflect on  Alvina Harrison's Life at 2:00 pm.

 After the service, there will be a private graveside, followed by a family gathering, in honour of Alvina's wishes.

 

This Sunday, come enjoy the 'Pastor's Appreciation Lunch' after the service.

 Chili and buns are provided.

Last names A-J can bring a salad and J-Z can bring a dessert (Js can choose whatever you want to bring!) 

 

 Lift up those in our body that are in difficult times.  Especially the Harrison family during this time of Alvina's passing.

 

And...

David at the end of his Psalm of grief does raise his eyes to the promise

 Psalm 22:26  The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;     

those who seek him shall praise the LORD!     

May your hearts live forever!

27  All the ends of the earth shall remember         

and turn to the LORD,     

and all the families of the nations 

shall worship before you.

 

Blessings on your week.... even if it isn't going 'easy'..

Know that when things get difficult it's not the end

But a time to 'Lean in' on our Lord Jesus... 

even more.

 

Peter Jackson

Part of Your Team

Black Creek Community Church

peterj@blackcreekchurch.ca