The joy of my salvation

I woke up this morning not going to church.  Not in any major rebellion against God...I simply didn't want to go.  I was tired and not convinced the whole experience would warrant the change from pajamas.  Did I mention I was tired?  I justified my decision by settling in to watch an online sermon by a pastor of my choosing.  Sinking into the comforts of my couch after having put my Keurig machine to work...with a cup of java in hand and laptop tuned into the Brook Hills community...I invited David Platt into my living room.  Not sure if you're familiar with David Platt but he wrote this little number - which challenged all of us readers into a new level of abandonment for Christ.  I have a huge respect for men of God who preach the Word with authority and trust He has gifted each uniquely - but David Platt's humility and radical obedience never cease to challenge my faith.

Anyway...back to my pajamas.  My poor Mac seems to be on its last leg which doesn't bode well when trying to watch an hour long video.  It spits and sputters and finally seems to surrender.  Pause...re-start...shut down...start over...3 times later I'm waving my own white flag.  About the same time, I get a fairly normal Sunday morning text..."Church?"....but instead of coming from the boys...this one came from my high school disciple.  She hadn't been to church with me in awhile and I wanted to spend some time with her.  I look down at my pajamas and at the clock on the wall.  Doing a quick assessment knew it would be tight but with Mr. Platt froze on my screen...replied and ran for the shower..."Be there soon."

But a different kind of morning called for a different kind of church.  I needed something more small town than usual, so when I picked her up I asked if she minded if we did things a little 'country'.  She gives me that am-I-going-to-be-the-only-black-person-in-this-church look and I smile and say "quite likely but you're going to be the prettiest one!"  :)  So we ventured a bit further north than usual and landed in the pews of a church that will forever hold a special place in my heart.  You see years ago in my life before Jesus...my Christian co-workers would share sermons on tape (yes indeed cassettes) ...and by accident or intention...I was put on the distribution list...and out of curiosity or obligation...I listened to them.

From sermons on tape to Christian radio...the message of Christ was shared...and I pulled over onto the side of the road and gave my life to Him.

I was at lunch this week with a Christian sister of mine and shared a part of my testimony that I rarely share.  It's dark and hard to imagine the path I was on during that phase of my life.  Telling the story reminded me of what He rescued me from.  He literally reached down and snatched me from a path of destruction and set my feet on solid ground.

As the pastor concluded the service this morning by distributing the communion elements...the memories flooded into a swirl until they converged into the present...sitting in that church pew listening in person to the very same pastor who used to preach though my tape deck. 

And I was brought back to the joy of my salvation.

 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. 
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. Pslam 40:2-3

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12