relationships (Psalm 137:1-9) Putting Love in Perspective

(Psalm 137:1-9) 

1   By the rivers of Babylon,
     There we sat down and wept,
     When we remembered Zion.
2   Upon the willows in the midst of it 
     We hung our harps.
3   For there our captors demanded of us songs,
     And our tormentors, jubilation, saying,
     “Sing for us one of the songs of Zion!”

4   How can we sing the Lord’s song 
     In a foreign land?
5   If I forget you, Jerusalem,
     May my right hand forget its skill.
6   May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth 
     If I do not remember you,
     If I do not exalt Jerusalem 
     Above my chief joy.

7   Remember, Lord, against the sons of Edom
     The day of Jerusalem,
     Those who said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare
     To its foundation!”
8   Daughter of Babylon, you devastated one,
     Blessed will be one who repays you 
     With the retribution with which you have repaid us.
9   Blessed will be one who seizes and dashes your children 
     Against the rock.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Interestingly, this psalm falls on Valentine's day, which is a day of "love".  Yet, this chapter is very applicable, especially to all of those who cannot celebrate this day, for any given reason.  To understand these verses, it helps to keep the entire Bible in context.  Because of Israel's disobedience, God allowed Israel to be taken into captivity by the very evil nation, Babylon.  Besides the loss of loved ones, and their homeland, Israel was also mourning the loss of the blessings and closeness they had with the Lord.

Verses 4-6 is reminding Israel to remember their chief joy, the Lord.  Jerusalem represents how God blesses them when they are enjoying the close relationship with the Lord.  To exalt (worship) anything or anyone is an action and attitude focused on that one thing or person as being the most important in your life.  So, the psalmist is encouraging Israel (and us) to understand that the Lord should be first in our lives.  No one person or thing is worthy to be exalted in such a way.

So, For those who are cynical about celebrating anything that appears to be so commercial, should anyone really celebrate Valentine's Day?  I would say, we can celebrate those we love and respect, whether it is on this day, birthdays, Mother's and Father's Day, or everyday!  But, we do need to keep things in perspective.  

The Lord God should be first in our lives, then our spouse, then our children, then other family members and friends... And hopefully we are honoring, celebrating and exalting the Lord everyday, not just on Sundays when we go to church to worship, praise and serve Him.

For those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, whether you had only been dating for a short while, but you knew this could be "the one", or whether you had been with your spouse for many, many years, still, keep things in perspective.  If your loved one was a believer, this is a temporary loss.  One day, you will see them for all eternity.  If they were not believers, understand that the Lord is fair and just and would never allow anyone to pass away without having a fair opportunity to come to know Him.  Plus, you never know what that person did in the last few seconds of their life.  Meanwhile, focus on the Lord and striving in His will, in order to serve Him, which will help you be present for loved ones who are still living.

For those believers who have been single and "loveless" all their lives, know and understand that the Lord is literally our soulmate!  He is the only one who can fill, fulfill and complete us.  If there is a desire to be married, ask God to find you "the right one for you", and then rest in Him.  Don't get desperate and decide to take things into your own hands to speed up the process.  It is so easy to make a huge mistake that can have lifelong implications.  If we focus on others to be some sort of solution, we will only be disappointed and crushed when they don't live up to our expectations.  The Lord is faithful and never disappoints.  Continue living in His will, and when you see another person doing the same, introduce yourself!

For those who are stuck in a loveless relationship and things are not going well, turn your focus back to the Lord.  Confess any sins that you have been committing.  For example, if you have been selfish, self-centered or self-righteous, trying to get your own way, manipulating instead of serving your spouse, you need to apologize.  This will go a long way towards reconciliation, with your loved one, as well as with God.  Apologize always, whether they forgive you or not.  And forgive always, whether they apologize or not.  

Then, with God's help, go back to growing closer to Him and striving in His will and praying for your relationship.  If your loved one is not doing this, at the very least, you can be a living example which can inspire them to do the same.  But we cannot change or control anyone.  We can only change and control ourselves - with the Lord's strength, wisdom and help!  It is so much easier for others to soften, when we are doing these things.

For those who are in some type of captivity, the same applies.  Although there could be a lot more to this.  Ask God for wisdom, direction, protection and intervention.  If crimes have been committed or are being committed, report these to the authorities if you are able.  Get help in order to escape if you are able.  Do not retaliate or attempt to hurt them back.  Leave vengeance to the Lord.  And in your heart, in forgiving those who have hurt you, the Lord will free you from the chains of hatred and bitterness.  This is in no way saying that what they have done or what they are doing is okay.  This is more for your wellbeing than it is for those who have hurt you.

As children of God, no matter what is happening to us or around us, never forget to remain focused on the Lord and obedient to His will, in His strength and guidance.  And even when we don't feel like it, may we always continue to go before the Lord, in His joy, to sing praises and worship, celebrate and exalt Him!  God blesses those who bless Him!