An Addiction
Another Day Along the Way
Friday, July 28, 2006
Another day,
My name is Chris. I am an addict. Sometimes I resist the temptation, but eventually it comes back. It always comes back. And, I must admit. I enjoy what I do. It actually seems to make me a better person. So maybe the addiction is actually a healthy habit. Maybe it is even a healing process.
What is my addiction? Though I might have many - washing hands, watching a ball game, reading a book, chewing gum, listening to music, writing, asking questions - there is only one on my mind here. It is the Psalms. Reading them, praying them, singing them, studying them; my name is Chris and I'm addicted to the Psalms.
Those honest journals in the middle of the Bible cover many pages. They reflect many moods, situations, decisions. They offer us a chance to glance into the inner thoughts of David and other writers as they confess their hearts to God. They also allow us to join in the singing, the asking, the confessing.
I've taught lessons about many of the Psalmistic poems. I've written about the writing and I’ve enjoyed singing along with the ancient Jewish hymns. I've personalized many, turning David’s anger into my own.
Sorry if I've said too much about it. But, I'm in love with the Psalms. Knowing I have a Shepherd caring for me, a God of Mercy hearing my cries, a Therapist listening to my inner hurts, a Forgiver receiving my confessions, a Caregiver sitting beside me, a Mighty God vindicating me, a Father correcting me, a Listener enjoying my singing: the world offers nothing so therapeutic, so real, so healing.
Join me in the reading, in the writing. Enter into the experience of Psalmistic addiction. Not only as a ritualistic habit, but as a reality check, as a prayer, as a time for silence or shouting or surrender. As a time with God. Alone or in a group, away from the hurry of our schedules or right in the middle of our rush, let us enter the experience.
God waits. In Him, let us take refuge. For Him, let us live.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Prayer Surrendered: Psalm 71:1-2 (NIV)
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
And…
Read Chris Maxwell's article in Ministry Today, "Runaway Shepherds":
http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=13326
Friday, July 28, 2006
Another day,
My name is Chris. I am an addict. Sometimes I resist the temptation, but eventually it comes back. It always comes back. And, I must admit. I enjoy what I do. It actually seems to make me a better person. So maybe the addiction is actually a healthy habit. Maybe it is even a healing process.
What is my addiction? Though I might have many - washing hands, watching a ball game, reading a book, chewing gum, listening to music, writing, asking questions - there is only one on my mind here. It is the Psalms. Reading them, praying them, singing them, studying them; my name is Chris and I'm addicted to the Psalms.
Those honest journals in the middle of the Bible cover many pages. They reflect many moods, situations, decisions. They offer us a chance to glance into the inner thoughts of David and other writers as they confess their hearts to God. They also allow us to join in the singing, the asking, the confessing.
I've taught lessons about many of the Psalmistic poems. I've written about the writing and I’ve enjoyed singing along with the ancient Jewish hymns. I've personalized many, turning David’s anger into my own.
Sorry if I've said too much about it. But, I'm in love with the Psalms. Knowing I have a Shepherd caring for me, a God of Mercy hearing my cries, a Therapist listening to my inner hurts, a Forgiver receiving my confessions, a Caregiver sitting beside me, a Mighty God vindicating me, a Father correcting me, a Listener enjoying my singing: the world offers nothing so therapeutic, so real, so healing.
Join me in the reading, in the writing. Enter into the experience of Psalmistic addiction. Not only as a ritualistic habit, but as a reality check, as a prayer, as a time for silence or shouting or surrender. As a time with God. Alone or in a group, away from the hurry of our schedules or right in the middle of our rush, let us enter the experience.
God waits. In Him, let us take refuge. For Him, let us live.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Prayer Surrendered: Psalm 71:1-2 (NIV)
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.
And…
Read Chris Maxwell's article in Ministry Today, "Runaway Shepherds":
http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=13326
3 Comments:
Seems like many of us need to give up some of our own addictions and become dependent on those Psalms you write about and more importantly the Healer you brag about. Thanks.
Thanks for being a modern day Psalmist. Your honest writing inspires me to draw closer to your God, David's God, my God. Missing you. MaryD
i love the Psalms too. great article. i'm so glad ur our new campus pastor!
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