1 chron 15:16 ..

¹⁵ He remembers^[c] his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
¹⁶ the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac.
¹⁷ He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
¹⁸ “To you I will give the land of Canaan
as the portion you will inherit.”

¹⁹ When they were but few in number,
few indeed, and strangers in it,
²⁰ they^[d] wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
²¹ He allowed no one to oppress them;
for their sake he rebuked kings:
²² “Do not touch my anointed ones;
do my prophets no harm.”

David orders specific people to sing, play instruments, and give thanks to the Lord as they minister around the Arc of the Covenant.  Even though this would have just been a symbol of ‘promises kept’ to westerners like us, I think to David and his crew, this Arc was as sacred as God’s very presence.  A cross is a reminder to us.  This box was holy…

David leads them in praise and worship.  Reminds them of how God has kept covenant with all the generations before them:  Abraham, Issac, Jacob.

Why does this stand out to me?  I’m reminded why we sing and praise and worship.

Our modern day “arc of the covenant” is our place of worship: church.  Its the “box” that we anticipate that the spirit of God and presence of God will be present in.  And we go there with expecting hearts, we come prepared with our offerings, and we praise and honor our lord in that “box”.  The Holy Spirit is reminding me why I sing…

Sometimes I’ve forgotten that He’s called me…and sometimes I even questions that I’m chosen…and sometimes I have a tough time remembering that I’m anointed.  He always remembers me. He’s never broken covenant to protect me, to guide me and to take care of me.  He always remembered me.  I have seen the world and how He lives in every part of it.  He always remembered me and made room for me in Napa, in NYC, in my work life, my soon-to-be married life, my family life…He has never left me.  Thats not to say that I haven’t faced some heavy hardship, but just as David rejoiced over God rebuking many opposing Kings, I can say too, that he has taken down some spiritual principalities in my life; even saved me from deathly experiences.

So now I’m entering one of the oldest forms of covenant: marriage. I see that in this new stage of my adulthood, He has remembered me.  Mama said it so well at the bridal shower this past weekend…When Papa learned he was having (me) a little girl he told my mom that he would be fending off the boys, he’d protect me and care for me.  I imagine that that was his promise to me, Mama and to himself…knowing my Papa, and how later, we prayed every night for a baby brother, until my mom was preganant with Emil, I know that this must have been a promise heard by God as well:  That Papa’s girl would be watched over, protected and taken care of…

God, even until now, 20+ years after Papa has passed away, you have minded my Father’s promise.  Even though, in years past, I have had my share of bad experiences, but I’ve come out alive, well, healthy, blessed and sometimes RENEWED!  Now I  arrive at this crossroad: getting married.  And Lord, I see that you have orchestrated the fulfillment of your promise throughout my years growing up.  Did you make covenenant with my Papa?  Did he let go of earthly life while on that hospital bed willingly?  Did he ask you to care for me and my brother?  Did he worry that we wouldn’t be cared for?  That there wouldnt be a man in my life who would ward off harm for his little girl?  I think he did.  And I think you promised him.  And I think my step dad, the man my brother has turned out to be and most especially, my fiance is proof that you keep your promises.  I have been cared for, protected and taken care of.

I have never been hungry.  I have never been so hurt that I couldnt stand anymore.  I have always known that I was loved.

Thank you, my heavenly Father for upholding the promise a man made to his little girl before passing away.

I love you, Lord and I lift my voice to worship you and all of my soul rejoice.  Take joy my King in what you hear, let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear.