Beacon Article January 2010
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:3). This verse comes in the midst of a psalm of David who reflects on the many ways that God had taken care of him, even through times of great trial and difficulty. With the single turning of a page of the calendar, we often find ourselves in David’s place, reflecting on the past year and reflecting on the events that shaped our lives. Hopefully, like David, we too will sing a song of praise to God.
So what has this past year brought you? Are you bitter over difficulties or losses? Don’t lose the perspective that the psalmist had. In verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 40, David sang, I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Perhaps you still feel like you are in the pit of destruction and your steps feel unsure as you look into the future. Go back to the beginning of this Psalm and wait patiently for the Lord.
As we enter 2010 (can you believe it!) we can find all the trust and confidence that we need from the Lord’s hand. I would like to challenge everyone who is a part of Lakeside, to seek together for the Lord’s hand in our individual and congregational lives.
We are facing a very important milestone in our church as we gather on Sunday, January 17th to vote on a proposed new constitution as a document to guide Lakeside Baptist Church into the future. I believe that this new constitution articulates biblical principles of leadership and church governance. We do need to remember that this document, like any written by human hands, is imperfect and will be used by imperfect people. But with the Lord’s guiding hand, we will be able to say I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8).
Let’s be sure that in this new year of 2010, the words of the psalmist will ring true in our hearts. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” (Psalm 40:16).
May the grace, peace, and love of God be with you in 2010.
Pastor Leslie
