Sing a New Song

“Sing to the Lord a new song...” Psalm 149:1

The Jews for most of their history have been exiled, persecuted, and have suffered greatly. But in spite of all the pressures of living in a foreign land for years and years, they managed to maintain their language, culture, identity and spirit. When the temple was destroyed and Jerusalem pillaged, the focus of their worship transferred from the temple to their faith communities. That was when the Torah was rediscovered and read afresh.

I can say I also live in exile, in a foreign land. I am, after all, a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). And like the Jews, with their songs of lamentation, I complain about this strange land I live in. The world as I know it is changing too fast, and I can’t say it’s for the better! Terrorists are hailed as heroes and freedom fighters. The people who are looked up to, switch their husbands or wives like they change their cars. Politicians lie with audacity and have no compunction to steal from the hungry and the homeless. There are apps and sites that promote adultery. People who are against abortion are insulted and even put in jail! Women jiggle and parade on the red carpet and on stage in next to nothing! Unscrupulous caregivers prey on the elderly and sick and steal their hard earned money with all sorts of scams. No, I do not feel like I belong!

Yet I can still sing new songs to the Lord! For His mercies are new every morning! And I know behind every dark shadow, there is a light shining...even in the remotest region of the world! I just need to trust that God is working even when I don’t see it. He keeps His promises, and I wait in faith, and journey with all the other pilgrims, to my promised land!