No buts about it--this Sunday's sharing was a blessing.
This weekend had us reviewing our experiences with a number of the spiritual disciplines we've considered together thus far. I was a little nervous about how this would go--realizing that if folks didn't choose to share, this might unwittingly become the weekend we studied the discipline of SILENCE. But, what a blessing as many folks in both services shared from their hearts and of their experiences. I had a number of people tell me that they were profoundly touched to hear the sharing. All I can say is 'Thank you, Lord!'
Before we opened the floor for sharing, I read a passage of scripture that gives a great three point outline of a testimony: what was / what happened / and what is now. That text is Psalm 32.
The Psalm opens with a thesis statement of sorts: blessed is the one whose sins are forgiven. And then verses 3 and 4 give us a look at what was--the Psalmist ached under the burden of his sin. We noted the word 'selah' after verse 4. Most scholars believe that's a term that calls for a pause to reflect. And we can reflect on how heavy the burden of sin, failure and shortcoming is in each of our lives.
Next, in verse 5, the Psalmist shares what happened. He confessed his sins. Instead of trying to cover them up or rationalize them away, he called them what God would call them. And, he experienced forgiveness! How liberating! Again, another 'selah' appears. Stop and rest in this testimony--you don't have to be burdened. Call it what God calls it, and be freed from it.
Then, in verses 6-7, we find the Psalmist's testimony of what is now. The realization that his life has been changed, to the degree that he can say "therefore, let everyone" experience this also.
So we opened the floor and many shared. Some with a whisp of humor. Some through tears. And in all, our longing for God, and His faithfulness in showing up was in evidence. As they say: God is good. All the time! All the time. God is good!
David wrapped up this Psalm 32 with a big but. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in Him.
That's amazing. That is exactly the conclusion we came to Sunday morning after having heard all the testimonies.
Comments