The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?
Muppet. I’m a muppet. It’s become one of my most common phrases. With apologies to the actual Muppets. What I mean is simply that I am acknowledging that I’m not that great – I’m stupid, foolish and often sinful. I have messed up and I do mess up. Not in everything, not all the time – but quite enough!
But can I let you into a secret? I think this the key to success. Success with God. Listen to some of Psalm 32:
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Who is blessed? The one whose trangressions/sins/messing up/general muppetry is forgiven. Verse 2 talks about someone in whose spirit is no deceit – this is someone who is not trying to pretend they are better than they are – they are acknowledging their rubbish.
David (the writer of this psalm) then says, when he kept quiet, he wasted away and was groaning all day. But, and it’s a big but, he then stopped hiding his sin, he acknowledged it – and he found forgiveness and started to praise. He began to experience God’s protection, God’s guidance and God’s unfailing love. What’s the secret? Simples – acknowledge before God that you are a muppet – stop pretending otherwise. Tell Him what is really going on. Stop complaining about everyone else – and come humbly to confess. Once God has got someone’s heart like this – then He can really get to work in us and through us.
So in whatever you are facing right now, may I suggest that you begin by coming to God – and being truly honest about who you are and what you are doing. No pretence. And then see what He will do. See what He will say. And see what you encounter of His unfailing love.
Have a blessed day. Much love, Matt