In the midst of life’s journeys, there are struggles and moments. During those moments it’s sometimes a struggle to stay up. My brother Roger would say that’s when we ought to Look Up(to the hills where we’re remind bed that God is our help). For when we look up, we’ll discover that we can Stay Up. And I would add, and if we can stay up then let’s get the Praises Up. Its amazing what praises can do. Let’s begin with today’s Holy Nougat
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 136:26 NLT
One of my favourite seminary professors, Clint McCann, readily comes to mind when I think of this nougat. He was an affable person whose face reflected laugh lines regardless of his life experiences. He was a psalms expert (and still is as a matter of fact). When he spoke of God’s love, his face took on an intensity that can only have come from personal experience.
For Clint, the Jewish term ‘*hesed*’ which is transliterated ‘Faithful Love’ or ‘Lovingkindness’ underscores the kind of mercy that results in Calvary. It is mercy, love, lovingkindness, and faithful love all combined. Or at least that’s how I understood what he described. If, as the psalmist declares, God’s hesed is forever; then forgiveness, healing, restoration, renewal, restitution and even revival, are ALL feasible as long as life lasts (and then some)!
That’s reason to break out in praise, dance, or other expression of thanksgiving and joy.
So, in the face of death, debt, dread, divorce, betrayal or hopelessness; in the midst of love, laughter, life and livity; we pause for a praise break!
Hallelujah. You deserve all the praise Lord!
https://youtu.be/SrXNsWnu1xA
Of course I had to include the song inspired by the psalm
