Habakkuk 3:2 (The Message)
1-2 A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, with orchestra: God, I've heard what our ancestors say about you,
and I'm stopped in my tracks, down on my knees.
Do among us what you did among them.
Work among us as you worked among them.
And as you bring judgment, as you surely must,
remember mercy.
I love the little book of Habakkuk! If you have the chance to read it, there is an amazing account of God showing him what was about to happen and why. The love and mercy of God is shown in this shigionoth (The word denotes a lyrical poem composed under strong mental emotion; a song of impassioned imagination accompanied with suitable music; a dithyrambic ode.) “Strong mental emotion” is an indication of how sincere and heartfelt this prayer was as he is singing. I remember years ago, being in church, and hearing the saints of God singing their prayers. Maybe someone would begin in the front, and pretty soon all across the building, there would be the most beautiful song you have ever heard. It always reminded me of angels singing to God. But the point here is it has been “many years”, why do we not have this in church anymore? What has happened that we do not praise God like this, and is it important? Is our praise and worship the same thing? When I need to know something, our pastor is the one that helps explain things. Here is his view on this subject of “shigionoth”, So many people have gotten away from this type of worship, singing in the Holy Spirit was common and a way of expressing praise to God, but pride has entered the church and the fact that it is an “old” thing is not acceptable, therefore it is not sought after. Some people are always searching for “New” ways, something different and so they are not seeking God in this way. Anytime pride enters the Holy Spirit is grieved, and He is unable to move. If you will look at the definition again, this is the hearts deepest cries, emotions that cannot be related any other way except praise. I just believe it would be such a blessing to have the Holy Spirit ministering in a service, where peoples lives are changed and they desire to walk closer to their Father God! I like the “old” ways. My desire is to be a part of this again! If you would, please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Love and Blessings to you!
(I wrote this post several months ago and have discovered that it is one of the most read on my blog, so I thought I would post it again. Let me know what you think about Shigionoth!)
