Soul Snack 8/144 ... Place Perfect?
I wonder if the ancient banks of either the legendary Tigris or mighty Euphrates rivers may capture this tragic and soulful lament.By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion ... How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? Ps 137:1 & 4
Babylon had 'busted' Zion. Babylon, as spectacular in its grandeur as it was indulgent in its vices.
Israel's captors had demanded from them songs of entertainment.
In captivity they are asked for joy.
In torment they are required to celebrate for their oppressors' well being.
These unreasonable demands surely were unlikely to be met, indeed likely to be impossible.
The spirit of joy can no more be manufactured, than it is for sale! No spirit of sadness or soul of despair can muster a light heart.
A thick, heavy and dark cloud rests mercilessly above those in deep sadness.
How can there be joy for a people absent from God's intended home for them?
I may be in paradise, but it is no more than purgatory if it is not God's place for me.
I may choose to live in the pleasant, or even popular place, that may appear to be paradise, but
in paradise pain can still arrive.
The Israelite's lost their God-given paradise. They had forfeited grace.
The place of happiness is always found alone in God's place for me.
God knows where paradise is for me. He has it selected now.
Paradise is being where He chooses for me, and not necessarily where I choose for me.