THE UNKNOWN can send you into a panic, and this may be where you are.
But you must not allow your pain to use you—you must use your pain to ride the storms of life.
Patta had discovered this truth when he stood on Twenty Street that afternoon.
He knew that people couldn't go to church—so, he brought church to them. And led them in the hymn, 'Amazing Grace.'
While some came out singing, others watched from their windows.
He also prayed and led them in the Lord's prayer.
They majored in unity, minored in individuality—and amid uncertainty, they put their hope in God.
The Narrative
WHEN THE CHILDREN of Israel were taken captive to Babylon, they lost everything.
As they sat by the river of Babylon, they wept when they remembered Zion.
Then, their enemies mocked them, saying, "Sing unto us one of the songs of Zion." (Psalm 137:3)
But how can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
How can they sing when they are in pain?
A Legacy
THE CULTURE in captivity had lulled them into complacency—but the taunting and anxiety jolted them into reality.
God wanted them to change their ways. He wanted them to live a holy life, and sulking wasn't going to get them there.
They had a legacy to protect—a heritage that will determine how their children will respond to God in adversity.
God wants you to leave a godly legacy too. He wants you to be an example of a believer.
What do you see?
THEY WERE SUPPOSED to be role models, but all they saw were pain and uncertainty.
Do you feel the same way? Do you feel as if you are in a strange land?
Have you lost your job, and you have a debt to service?
Are you in pain wondering when this will end?
I have good news for you. God will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
What do you do?
GOD WANTS YOU to sing.
In adversity, God told them to build houses and settle down, marry and have children.
He also told them to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where they live and pray for it. (Jeremiah 29:1-8)
God was telling them to sing a love song to Him. He wanted them to live a day at a time.
However, if you've not been singing, it's not too late to start.
But to sing a love song to Him, you must be conformed to His image.
Only those with an assurance of salvation can sing a love song in a strange land.
A song of praise is a sign of faith
Everything may change, but God will never change.
You may be in a strange land but never allow God to be a stranger to you.
And know that when you're in sync with Him, He has your back.
Paul knew that God had his back when God said, "My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
THE EFFECTIVE WEAPON to fighting fear is worship to God.
They needed to sing the Lord's song.
A song of praise is a sign of faith—and when you put your confidence in God, your trust will be in the right place.
As usual your message is timely. May we always remember that the Lord has our back even in times of adversities and give us a heart to always praise him and sing love sound to him. He is faithful. Thanks