Singing While in the Midst

Psalm 137: ⁴ How can we sing the songs of the Lord
    while in a foreign land?
⁵ If I forget you, Jerusalem,
    may my right hand forget its skill.
⁶ May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
    if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
    my highest joy.

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Sitting in a homeless shelter, I noticed the place had plenty of volunteers. I went there with the attitude that “I” was going to be the only one who volunteered that day and this place needs “me.” Casino workers came to help those who were addicted to gambling, sex, drugs and whatever else this well-known city had to offer. “Christians working in casinos” I asked.

• Sometimes I think I have to stay away from “those” people in order to remain holy.
• Sometimes I think I have to stay out of “those” places in order to remain holy.
• Sometimes I think I have to stay in a place “I” deem holy in order to remain holy.

“These workers are the most dedicated volunteers. Some believe in GOD and some don’t, but all serve” was the statement from the director of the rescue mission to me. It struck me like a ton of bricks when I realized people who follow CHRIST could work in a place like that. GOD opened my eyes to the way I had written off that well known town, very similarly to the way Jonah, a prophet, did not want a group of murderers to receive salvation.

• GOD said to me “What is the difference between the sin you commit in your home than the ones this group commits on the street?”
• GOD challenged me by saying “Which sin of yours is less than theirs?”
• GOD told me “Have compassion on everyone I send to you and to those I send you to, no matter the location.”

With muddy hands I go. GOD sends me to places even though I am not clean and tells me to sing about the mercy of THE CHRIST. HE wants me to get out of my safe environment and to go infect people with GOD’s antidote for death, namely HIS word. I cannot be clean enough to clean myself up, let alone cleaning someone else. BUT GOD is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and that is something to sing about!

• Are you isolated?
• What is holding you back from going to another place strictly for serving GOD?
• Can you ask GOD for a new assignment and be willing to do what it takes to serve HIM where HE sends you?
• Will you faithfully remember GOD while in a foreign land that is not heaven?