IPsalms remix - Old tunes for new life:
Soul songs

We begin our summer with the sermon series Ipsalms Remix Old Songs for New Life. Who doesn’t like a great remix of a familiar tune? In the movie A Trip Bountiful, there was only one song used for the musical score: the hymn Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling. It would have been awful, except this hymn is played in every conceivable style and arrangement. Unless you listen closely you do not realize that it is the same tune because it is rejuvenated and reenergized by a different arrangement and set of instruments! Our first sermon in this series is Soul Songs based on Psalm 63. We do not know all the circumstances surrounding this song of David. He was going through the wilderness but we do not know if it was a good trip, or if he and his group were running low on water. There is a sense of quiet desperation at the start of this Psalm. One possibility is that the physical crisis of running low on water in this desert prompted a spiritual choice. As David experienced his fragile physical existence, he realized the power of spiritual strength. In the thirst that was threatening his body, he found the longing and strength of his soul. This powerful and beautiful song helps us navigate the hot, dusty wildernesses of our lives. It shares with every believer God’s power that can reenergize and rejuvenate us so that we can sing a new song. If you are tired and drained by the dreary tune playing in your life, maybe it is time for David’s remix that will lift you into worship and praise. Our prayer is simple, may you find the source of God’s presence as you read Psalm 63. 

 Psalm 63:1-11: A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. ² I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. ³ Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. ⁵ I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. ⁶ On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. ⁷ Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. ⁸ I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.  ⁹ Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. ¹⁰ They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. ¹¹ But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced. (NIV)