Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:49:00 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna July 27-BP: Ps. 119:145-152; RBTTY: Acts 27:27-44; Ps. 43-45
July 27 “When Tears, Fears and Hope Meet”
“ I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord—I will keep Your Statutes. I cried unto You; save me and I shall keep Your Testimonies. I preceded the dawning of the morning and cried; I hoped in Your Word. My eyes preceded the night watches, that I might meditate in Your Word.”
Psalm 119:145-148
Give thanks for whatever it takes to bring you to the place of total trust in Him.
Whoever said “Big boys don’t cry” didn’t know what he was talking about (Jn. 11:35; Lk. 19:41). Although the author of today’s Manna is unknown (though very possibly it was David himself), it’s clear that he’d shed a few tears over the difficulties he’d been going through. His use of the Hebrew word “qara” for “cried” means to “call out strongly, to plead, encounter, meet with, etc.” Thus, it’s the picture of deep exhortation or pleading that desperately awaits a response—weeping uncontrollably.
His was no half-hearted cry.
He “cried with his whole heart.” The fact remains, if it doesn’t move us, it’s unlikely to move Him. And, it’s important to notice that He knew on Whom to call: “Hear me, O Lord. . .I cried unto You.” It’s good to share our burdens with others—but, there’s really only one Person Who’s able to lift them from us and carry them.
And, that’s Jesus (Mt. 11:28-30; I Pet. 5:7).
Hallelujah!!
Oh, dear Pilgrim, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5b). “For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross, despised the shame and is now set down at the right Hand of the Throne of God” (Heb. 12:2b).
Never forget that this One, with nail-scars in His Hands. . .Who is “the Author and Finisher of your faith” (Heb. 12:2a). . .also “offered up prayers and supplications with strong (Grk. ‘ischuros’—‘forcible, boisterous, intense, etc.’) crying (Grk. ‘krauge’—‘an outcry, tumult, grief-stricken, clamor, scream, shriek, etc.’) and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death” (Heb. 5:7a). . .and was confident that He heard Him “because He feared (Grk. ‘eulabeia’—‘reverence, awe, deep piety, etc.’) Him” (Heb. 5:7b).
And, we must also remember “Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8). Thus, when nothing or no one can ease your anguish of mind, body and soul, “Look unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) and keep on looking. Don’t take your eyes off of Him; instead, “stay focused, faithful and stand firm”—for He knows your needs and will bring you through as He has promised (Heb. 5:9).
When sleep escapes you and you awaken in the wee hours of the morning, “Cry out to Him and hope in His Word.” When the night shadows draw near, “Precede them by meditating in His Word.” Even when others “who follow after mischief draw near to you” (v.150), remember to “draw near unto Him and He will draw near unto you” (v.151; James 4:8). Then, all will be well. Amen and amen.
Thanks,
Mr. Lynn M. Smith
Department Business Administrator
Department of Economics
204C McElhinney Hall
(713) 743-3802 (office)
(713) 743-3798 (fax)
LSmith20@central.uh.edu (email)
http://www.class.uh.edu/econ/ (department website)
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