FAMILY

FAMILY!

Ps 68:5-6

5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.

6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

           We spent Thanksgiving with my son-in-law’s family in the heart of Texas. I was pleased to observe a wonderful and large loving family. Some had driven many miles and the modest home was packed with brothers, sisters and cousins. The laughter was intense and the smiles almost made your face hurt. I kept thinking of Psalm 68:6 and realized that I was witnessing a wonderful gift of God – family.

           Looking deeper into those two verses I see that the psalmist begins with the character and nature of the Giver. He is a father to the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows. He sits in a holy place.

           The word “solitary” is the Hebrew word yachiyd and it has two important meanings. First, it indicates anything or anyone that is “beloved” or “darling.” So the first meaning is something that is precious because it is solitary or stands out from the crowd. The second meaning is the one we usually think of which is “desolate and lonely.” Understanding is improved when we know her deep meaning of the words.

           God, who sits in a holy place, has each individual’s welfare at heart. We are individually precious or “darling” in his sight. He collects us and places us in families. There we love and are loved in return. We give that which is only ours to give and receive that which we cannot produce in ourselves. Families are better! Love and laughter is the result.

           I think families become dysfunctional when they fail to give their portion or stubbornly refuse to receive their share.

Dear Lord, bless our families today. May we each contribute that which only we can and may we receive that which would otherwise make us empty. May love and laughter be the result. AMEN