Some thoughts on this morning's worship focus

After trying something new this morning in using the ancient discipline of lectio divina, did you find it a hard way to read Scripture? Did it strike you as way of reading you could think about adding to your devotions?

The first few times I (Nate) tried this practice, I was skeptical, to be honest. I thought it was kind of hokey; like I can take whatever meaning from Scripture I want. But it's grown on me, and helped me to see that Scripture isn't meant to be read as a textbook, but as a guide, and something to engage our whole being. Psalms 1, I think, is full of tremendous words and phrases we can let roll around in our heads as we live: meditate on God's law, delight, trees by streams, bearing fruit in season, not letting leaves wither, way of the wicked will perish, way of the righteous will prosper, and more.

And I like the image of two paths; one that tempts us to surface life apart from God, the other a deep life of purpose and meaning. And maybe a cow chewing its cud isn't such a disgusting image to think of; lectio divina is going deeper with God's Word and letting it change our heart as we focus on it. Any comments?

Here's a link to the lyrics to the song Doubting Thomas by Nickel Creek we listened to this morning. Again, this was a song I was skeptical of in the beginning that is cutting through the layers of my heart the more I listen. It is a heart-felt prayer to God that deals with doubt, trust, and struggling with life. You may notice he starts off with "I took a promise," moving to the struggle of knowing "I can't keep my promises" and concluding with "I'll take your promise." He's not afraid to engage the struggle, it looks like to me, and ultimately places the situation in God's hands; "I'll take your promise." I'll trust you with this life, God. Seems to be a good example for us.

And here's a page where you can listen to the song. For free! Partway down the page on your left, you should find the "Doubting Thomas" link. Just click on it and it should play.

And not to make the post here too long, but the song might carry more weight to you if you get a glimpse into the life of Chris Thile (the author of Doubting Thomas), who was just recently married and his wife left and initiated a divorce almost right afterwards. The song "Somebody more like you" gives some insight into his anger and confusion from this on the same album. From everyone I know, he's a committed follower of Christ, but I don't know the details; all I can say here is that something like that would certainly toss one's life in turmoil!