3-26-2020

       Good Morning All,

   Psalm 84:3; “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God."

     “These are the times that try men’s souls.”  This was how Thomas Paine began his writing which was entitled “The Crisis”.  It was first published on Dec. 23, 1776.  When it was written, it was speaking of the American revolutionary war.  It was written at a time of trouble for the patriots.  So, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet to encourage his fellow compatriots to “hang in there” and to rise to the occasion and defend this new nation.

     I find it interesting that this line gets brought up whenever someone decides that solemn times are upon us.  Yet, these are the times that try men’s souls because times that try men’s souls are times when you feel out of control of the situation.  If you examine your fear, you fear the unknown.  This is why the dark is scary to us.  This is why a dark room in which we have never set foot is frightening.  This is why you often experience your worst moments late at night, in the darkness of your room.  Late at night, in the deepest darkness, when we feel the most insignificant of all, are the times that try men’s souls.  We lack sleep, we lack rest, we lack hope, and we lack peace.

    Many call Psalm 84 the “Psalm of Peace.”  It is called that because the author finds his peace in the Temple of the Lord.  There the author finds his peace and rest and notes that even the birds find comfort and solace in the Temple.  Remember, huge parts of the Temple were open foyer style so birds could have built their nests in the porticos and the eves.  I think the author chose his two birds on purpose.  He chose the sparrow and the swallow.  The sparrow because it was worth so little and the swallow because it was so restless.

    You and I come to God like the sparrow and the swallow.  We are of little importance here in this world and when there is turmoil, strife, uncertainty and pain; we often act like the swallow flitting from here to there and back.  To this God invites us to cling to Him, trust His promises of forgiveness and everlasting life.  He invites us to remember that great love that he has for us.  While Luke wrote that five sparrows can be bought for two pennies, God chose to love us so much that he gave his most precious treasure for us.  Jesus died so that you and I would know of his wondrous love and to have peace with God and then peace in God.  When the trials of life occur, God invites us to look up, above the fracas and noise and see his loving arms, ever embracing us with his tender love, unending mercy and eternal hope.

    When the times try your soul, look to Jesus for your salvation.  He has already accomplished it for you and is waiting for you to rest in his arms.  You are precious in the sight of the Lord and his arms are open for you.

Father, in you is all gladness and hope.  Encourage us with your Spirit that we may ever walk in your ways.  Keep our eyes on you and let us never waiver but Father when we are restless return us with your tender care.  In the Precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret