sing a new song

Psalm 137:4, "How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?

The Israelites' beloved Jerusalem had just been destroyed by the Babylonians and had been taken captive by them.  At the beginning, the psalmist is promising to remember Jerusalem forever...even calling down imprecations upon himself were he to forget...his hands to not act again, his voice to never speak again.

The Babylonians had asked them to sing the songs of their land and God, but their hearts were just as devastated as their homeland and in his hurt, he cries out, "How can we sing...?"  They were so devastated, they hung their harps on the poplar trees as a reminder of their sorrow.

It is never easy when you are in a bad spot or season.  One Sunday, I just couldn't do it.  I had two kids in crisis and my heart was crushed and I couldn't muster the strength.  I was not mad at God, just couldn't do it.  So I sat on the top of the seat while they stood, closed my eyes, and just let the songs pour over me.  

The greatest sadness would be to turn your back on God in those seasons...not understanding that they are just part of life in this world; and though it happened, God never left you during it.  In those times; however, it is always appropriate, as the psalmist did, to ask God to remain faithful to His promises and voice your sadness, anger, disappointment, and even hatred and let Him handle it, soften it and yes, change it.  

And it is so, so sweet to sing a new song.  Shane & Shane sing a BEAUTIFUL song called "Worthy of it all".  Some of the lyrics that came to me when thinking/studying this verse...

"Sing a new song
Lift up your voice in the dark
Sing as a new one
Sing as though you were in love

Lift your eyes, see the King
Stand in awe now and sing

All of my hopes, all of my fears
All of my wants and all of my years
Everything now, everything then, all my life I resolve
You're worthy of it all."

Yes, sing...even then.  And if you hit a spot when you just can't, for that moment let others just sing over you and listen to the Truth in the songs.  Then lift those eyes and sing a new song.