Key Scripture: Psalm 137:1-4

By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?

Relevance

We've all hung our harps on the willows and wept at some point in our lives. It never matters what the problem is. At that time, there is no music in our hearts for ourselves or the masses. 

We can lament the tenor of this Psalm, and the poor souls who were carried off to that strange land, but the foundation of the durge was sin. Judah was carried off for repeated idolatry and lack of trust in their Saviour. Father God delivered the penalty, and they found themselves mourning under foreign willows. It's a simple story.

But those simple stories of doing wrong and repenting often come with pain, suffering and lamentation—hanging our harps upon the willows. There is no song to play or sing, just an unsavoury offering to a merciful Father.  

It was the Father's mercy to sentence Judah to 70 years in the foreign land of Babylon. He knew there would be many tears, pain and lost vision of the future. Herding 75% of a nation 1500Km across to a new land where the language and culture were unfamiliar, defeats a bondslave's hope. By the time they arrived, tired and broken, their languishing hearts had that bitter taste of, "We've really done it this time!" 

I'm guessing we've all thought that at one time or another—that God has had enough of our folly or faithlessness. But the Father knew exactly what He would do at the conclusion of the 70-year servitude. He had a wonderfully royal plan. 

God always sees and plans ahead, even in our lives. Maybe He doesn't punish us with 70 years in other lands, but he does look and plan ahead of our repentance. We're often too self-pitiful to look that far at the time.  

It's Father's Day, and during breakfast and gift-giving, if you men among the readers are fortunate to enjoy them, I want you to remember your Heavenly Father. He is he one who plans your life, forgives you when you fall and repent, guides you through His Word, and helps you with so many things in life, many of which you've either forgotten or missed their subtlety.

Let's praise God together on Father's Day, and while we're praising the Father, let's praise the Son, Jesus Christ, also. Praise You, Lord!

Prayer

Thank you, Father. Today is a special day, commemorating men who are made in your image. It's too amazing to reflect on deeply, but we praise your glorious name for what you did for Judah and what you do for us. 

Photo by Sergio Capuzzimati