July 6, 2020
Baby Oil and Sun In
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. (Psalm 108:6, NIV)
Friend to Friend
Back when jelly bracelets, Aqua Net hairspray, blue eyeshadow and parachute pants were a thing, I wrestled with frustration every time radio disc jockeys talked over the beginning or ending of a song.
Why?
Because before the days of digital, I used to record songs on audio cassettes with my handy-dandy cassette recorder so I could listen at leisure.
Truth be told, we technically did have the option to buy a 45 and spin the song, but I had very little money. So instead, I’d hover my pointer finger over the red-circled record button and wait for a popular song to come on the radio.
When the music began, I’d press the magic button, then dance giddy knowing I’d soon be able to listen to that song anytime I wanted! I can only imagine the number of Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Richard Marks, Steven Curtis Chapman and Bryan Adams songs I pirated unknowingly. (Lord, forgive me!)
I made mixtape after mixtape.
Listened to them on a towel in my back yard while lathering myself with baby oil and spraying Sun In on my hair.
Listened to them in the bedroom I shared with my two sisters.
Even listened in the car.
Today young people don’t understand the magical relationship between cassette tapes and a pencil. And in a day when we can access any song, lyric, artist or album instantaneously, many just don’t appreciate the value of a good mixtape! Am I right?
David pulled together an old school mixtape in Psalm 108. The verses are actually pulled from two of his previous psalms. The first five verses of Psalm 108 are from Psalm 57:7-11, and the rest are from Psalm 60:5-12.
Today it’d be called a Scripture mash up. This explains why we see two distinctly different themes in this chapter... worship and war. The cool thing? Victory is found in both.
My heart, O God, is steadfast;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
Give us aid against the enemy,
for human help is worthless.
13 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.
(Psalm 108:1-5, 6, 12-13)
Just like each well-recorded song was a victory on my mixtapes in the 80’s, Psalm 108 showcases personal and public moments of praise and prayer where David celebrated the victory of God’s power and persistent presence.
If that doesn’t make you wanna dance with somebody who loves you – I don’t know what will!
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, My heart is steadfast, determined to celebrate victory in and with You today! Your love is great, and Your faithfulness knows no end. In times of wonder, worry and war, You are worthy of praise and honor, and I am victorious in Your strength and salvation.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Read Psalm 108. Consider where you are with this message today and spend some time in responsive prayer.
Now for the fun, give me scoop on who or what songs used to be on your mixtapes! Hit me with a direct message on INSTAGRAM or post it on the wall of my blog! :)
More from the Girlfriends
Studying the Bible is important to help you know and trust God more. It equips you with His power, presence, perspective and peace. It informs your emotions, increases courage, decreases doubt, and bolsters believing.
Take the FREE 5-Day Psalm Challenge! It will guide you on a compelling personal journey with the Lord as you read, record, reflect on and respond to His Word.
PS. Have you listened to the GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith podcast yet? Hang out with Gwen and friends for fun, faith-focused, grace-filled conversations as you commute to work, go on walks, exercise, fold laundry, run errands or travel.
Originally published Monday, 06 July 2020.
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