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I read this scripture for the first time tonight. Sure I've passed over it before and I've sung it in church, but tonight I read it. I feel as if the Lord is using this psalm to challenging me in a great way.
My usual way of approaching the Lord's challenges go as followed: receive challenge, overanalyze, weigh possibility of failure, admit defeat. This process repeats it's self until He either knocks me in the head, or sends somebody else to. My stubbornness illustrates my Sheepish nature, and proves that even a dog (since trainable) is more intelligent. Praise that my Shepherd is gentle and consistent.
Anyways, back to the challenge at hand: a new song. This concept as always overwhelmed me. When writing a song I often think, "all of this has been sung before... everything that is needs to be said has been said", and I would find myself discouraged in offering praise.
Is it possible to offer up a new song?
This lesson may be elementary, but I am in constant need for review. God doesn't yearn for our words; He longs for our hearts. God is not impressed by words for anyone can bow his/her head, say churchy words, and end with "amen". God is impressed by a humble Spirit and surrendered heart.
It's hard to get beyond surface thinking, because we are surface people. We often consciously or subconsciously place stereotypes on people based on skin color and/or dress, and we judge people's intelligence based upon their presentation in speech. First impressions really are everything?
Thing is God sees beyond our rehearsed speeches and gets right to the core of our being. He sees our dirty laundry, knows just how soiled it all is, and knows exactly how it got there. In 2 Corinthians Paul discusses the impact the ministry has had on the church. He says they are a "letter from Christ... written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." (chapter 3 verse 3).
God looks at the inscriptions on our hearts, if the words don't match our praises all falls void. God knows the truth. In reality every song from my heart is a new one simply because it comes from me. No one has had nor will ever have my heart. I am unique and therefore my songs are unique. God doesn't want just any song; He wants mine.
The challenge: offer a new song to the Lord. Rules: the words must be a reflection of what is written on the heart. Incentive: a raw, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
I think I'll take this one on.
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Corinthians 4:20
"So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind." 1 Corinthians 14:15
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