Chazak

You may have heard it said, “History repeats itself.”

Today, we’re looking at Psalm 78 written by Asaph, a worship leader and musician. Asaph retells the history of the Jewish nation from the time of salvery in Egypt to David’s reign. The children of Israel continued to rebel against God, forgetting all that He had done for them. So, history continued to repeat itself! Today, I’m looking at the first 6 verses of Psalm 78:

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us.

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them,  even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

- Psalm 78:1-6

We are people with a short memory! As believers, we need to remember God’s mercy and faithfulness. The temptation is to forget, which leads to doubt, which turns to unbelief, and many times, rebellion against God.

When Ken was first diagnosed with cancer in September 2016, the fear and doubt began to creep into my heart. I remember when the doctor told us it looked like she’d gotten all of the cancer. There would be quarterly scans and if it didn’t return somewhere else, after five years, Ken would be cancer free! Ahhhh - a sigh of relief. Until… after the first scan, we learned it had spread.

It would’ve been easy to let those doubts and fears come back. At times they started to creep in, when chemo didn’t work, when the next scan showed additional spreading. I had a choice to make: remember God’s faithfulness to us in the past or make myself crazy!

I have the Hebrew word chazak tattooed on my left ankle, meaning strength and courage. I chose it because God said it to Joshua when he was preparing to lead the children of Israel into the promised land in Joshua 1:7-9:

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

- Joshua 1:7-9

God never promises this life will be easy, but I honestly cannot remember any time that He hasn’t been faithful and surprised us in amazing ways. Even if it means I’ll live the remainder of my life as a widow, I know God would take care of me. Today, I’m grateful for continued scans that show, for the most part, no growth or spreading. But I also trust whatever is ahead for our future! I have a responsibility to be an example for our children and grandchildren and teach them that God is always faithful. And so do you!

I don’t know what you’re facing today, but I know there is a God who will remain faithful! Trust Him with your emotional, physical and mental challenges.

I know He’ll carry you through!

Pastor Pam

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