Reflection

Could there be a more well-known hymn for Christians – and those who do not profess any faith – than ‘Amazing Grace?’ Remember that these psalms, sung by pilgrims on their journey to and from Jerusalem and while worshipping at the Temple, would have been as well-known as ‘Amazing Grace’ is to us.

It is said that the author of ‘Amazing Grace,’ John Newton, on the day he opened his heart to God for salvation, went to a vesper service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and this Psalm was being sung. Wesley was moved with emotion by the words of the song.

I’m not sure it is very fashionable to remember one’s past deeds, especially the ones that tend to haunt us. Yet the author of this Psalm calls all of us to remember our past. Sometimes I find myself thinking of who I would be without the intervention of God in my life. That moment as a young, brash, know it all, arrogant law student when my life was interrupted irrevocably by the God who chased after me, relentlessly calling my name. As the years have passed, I ponder the things that those who do not believe in God would call chance, luck, coincidence or serendipity, yet I see God’s wonderfully gracious and beautifully guiding hand upon me.

I want to shout like the Psalmist of this psalm, ‘His redemption overflows.’ (Verse 7b NLT)

Every time I pause, in the busyness and mayhem of life, to think of the goodness of God in my life, I am overwhelmed. My heart stirs and usually my eyes moisten with tears of immense gratitude and thankfulness that God never gave up on me – and he will never give up on you. I suspect the author of this Psalm had similar emotions.

Perhaps it is time for you to pause and think of the goodness of God in your life. Believe me, it is the most beautiful experience.

Prayer

My Lord and my God, as I pause and thoughts come rushing to me about the numerous times that you have placed your hand on me, I am filled with thankfulness. Lord, even when I did not call on you, I look back and see that you came to me anyway. Such is your grace, mercy and love that never have I been alone. You, oh God forgive my past, and the freedom that comes from that forgiveness overwhelms me. There are insufficient words to express what is in my heart right now, but you do not need words, as you see all within my heart anyway. Yet Lord, I cry out to you: I love you, Lord.