Keeping our priorities straight is probably our biggest challenge. All the rest falls into place if we can discern what belongs to God and what belongs to us. We also need to keep a perspective on the difference between this world and the one for which we are ultimately designed. Those are big tasks for us. Our abilities to grasp the meaning of a thousand years of history seem impressive to us. But to God, so many years are just yesterday. I love that old hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to Come, Be thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.” The next verse begins with “A thousand ages in thy sight are like an evening gone.” The scriptures provide us with essential insights but they are
sometimes difficult for us to grasp. The Psalms are often so galactic
– so cosmic. I’m thankful that our faith has inspired many hymn
writers to reflect on the scriptures in their work. So many beautiful
hymns reinforce scriptural themes. Another favorite of mine is “A Mighty
Fortress is Our God, a bulwark never failing.” Among my collection
of books are old and new hymnals from several faith traditions.
The hymns of our rich Christian heritage help me focus on my priorities by
reminding me that we live in this world, but not for this world. |