On some days I find it much more inspiring and relaxing to work part of the day outside the office at a place like Panera. One of the dynamics at work may be the fact that I am reading / studying / preparing things which are of the Kingdom of God in the midst of the systems of the world. Within the reverberations of that clash often come insights not gained in the pastor's study.
Into Panera came a guy wired to the hilt. He sat next to me and plugged in his laptop, had one ear attached to his iPod and the other to his cell phone via Bluetooth. Oblivious to the people around him, he engaged in conversations with beings in other realms.
A series of conversations unfolded, muffled to my hearing because of my focus on other things. And then a new conversation began with someone who was not a business contact. My attention was kidnapped by the passion of his voice. Some kind of friend or family member who had intimate knowledge of his personal life brought out his unprofessional side. In tones unmuted, he shared his opinion about "her" (an ex-wife, I assumed by the context) and laced his words with a string of expletives that short-fused basketball coaches would have found admirable.
As suddenly as it began, his tone shifted. He said, "Hi Baby!" and with tenderness spoke to his young daughter. Though his words were carefully chosen and not abusive, he was clearly letting his daughter know that she could not continue to carry stories to her mother that cast him in a bad light. Otherwise, she would not be welcomed into his home anymore.
(I realize I sound like the ultimate eavesdropper here, but I could hardly ignore this scenario which played out a mere five feet from me in such an unmuffled manner. I decided at this point to turn my attentions elsewhere, because I was forming a very unfavorable opinion of this man.)
I turned to some personal Scripture reading - Psalm 16 - and tried to close out the noise around me. I came to verse 4 and stopped cold.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.
My judgment changed to brokenness. Moments earlier I had become disgusted by the profane language and arrogance of a man at my elbow. I had quickly concluded that the miseries of his life were self-induced and he simply needed to wake up and grow up. God's voice changed my assessment in a split second.
Now, I paused to pray for a man with no name. Regardless of the reasons, the stresses of his life have come in ever-increasing torrents. A busted marriage, a broken home, a bitter heart are multiplied sorrows which come when other gods are pursued. Such souls do not need more condemnation. They need the life-giving message of God. I read further.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.Psalm 16:5-11
I have discovered this joy. Will he?
Father, speak to the broken hearts who run after other gods.
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