Used to (Psalms 42 and 43, pt. 2)

It is not uncommon in the psalms to find that the psalmist begins at a low point. He then processes the problem, finds some perspective, and ends at a high point. Perhaps we should all be psalmists - people who thoughtfully, even slowly, process our problems in the light of our own sins; in awareness of our enemies; while engaging with God, and recognizing Who He is.

But the pattern of the psalmist, beginning low and ending high, is not always repeated in our lives. Sometimes we start high, and then muddle through lives of decline. The psalmist admits as much in 42: 4 - “I used to …”

What did you “used to” do that nourished your relationship with God, that you no longer do? Perhaps you “used to” serve, and you “used to” be enthused and energetic in that service. But for some reason that has faded away. Maybe you “used to” pray for unsaved friends, and seek opportunities to share Christ with them. But perhaps you were rebuffed, or didn’t see progress, and you pulled back, content to repeat old news about non-eternal issues.

The New Testament letter to the Hebrews (Jewish Christians scattered abroad) has a way of addressing this problem: “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39 NAS95) This letter called “Hebrews” is full of warnings. And this is one of them. Don’t be a “used to” Christian. Avoid “shrinking back.”

If I’m correct in finding a progression in the psalmist’s thought, he later says “I shall again …” That is, someday I’ll get around to doing what I “used to” do. People say “I’m working on it” when they really aren’t doing anything. But there seems to be a bit more determination in a yet later statement, when he says “I shall yet …” There is hope, and perhaps a plan. 

It is only as we move from Psalm 42 to 43 that we see a clearer picture of a hopeful resolution. The psalmist says, “I will …” in 43:4. He is purposefully and openly proclaiming the prospect of engaging with God in positive ways, now referring to God as “my exceeding joy.” The psalm ends with a bold statement, “I shall again praise Him.” 

Is the story of your present state a case of “used to?” The proper pattern for the believer is not to “shrink back,” but to “see Christ more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.”