Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Tuesdays For Timothy Moms: Psalm 144

I will sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You, The One who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the deadly sword. Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood-- That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, Sculptured in palace style; That our barns may be full, Supplying all kinds of produce; That our sheep may bring forth thousands And ten thousands in our fields; That our oxen may be well-laden; That there be no breaking in or going out; That there be no outcry in our streets. Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! ~Psalm 144


What strikes me about this verse right off is the confidence David places in the effect his genuine worship of God will have on his children.

"I will sing a new song to You, O God...That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style."

David's choosing to worship God, trusting that God will deliver him and his houselhold from the influence of the lies of the world- "foreigners."

Often times I can get fearful about what the world's influence will be on children's lives, but in this verse I see the power over that influence my life of worship has on the outcome of my children's lives. Once they are grown, they of course, must make their own choice to obey the gospel of faith in Jesus, but while they are "in their youth," our lives of worship establish a foundation of who are sons and daughters are created to be by the Lord. Their roots are planted and their strength is formed.

What Sally Clarkson writes in her Mission of Motherhood book is true:

"In a sense, I give my children their best theological education by seeking to really know and love God in my own life and living my life out before my children."

Father, help me to keep my eyes on You! Help me not to try to make my sons "plants grown up in their youth" in my own efforts, but just to sing a new song to You with my life. To do all I do out of a response of adoration of You Jesus.

To post your insights on this verse go to Tuesday For Timothy Moms.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love that quote.
Until I realize how far I fall from what I want to be before them!

Thank God that His love covers a multitude of my sins! And He is their Father as well as mine. Therein lies my HOPE...

Borbe Bunch said...

HI, I found your blog from Joy in the Journey....I have been encouraged and wanted to say HI and that I will be back :)
I agree with what you have written and love your passion to be an example of Biblical mothering, thanks for the refreshment!
To God be the glory...
Liz