As a teacher and mom of adolescents, I hear quite a few interruptions throughout the day.
“If you’ll look at the top of the page–” “Mrs. Byrne, I just remembered that I left my lunch at home.”
“When you finish with your work–” “Wait, how long are you going to give us??”
“Hey buddy, when you get home from school–” “I know, you’re going to tell me to clean my room.”
“Honey, the guinea pig cage–” “Okay, just five more minutes!”
Interruptions are annoying. Even maddening.
They derail our trains of thought into crumbling confusions of intention and distraction, leaving us frustrated, bewildered, and lost.
Did I make my point before (fill in the blank) interrupted?
I live with two family members who have ADD, and I have joked that I think it’s contagious. Sometimes it is so hard to get a task finished because of the “rabbits” that interrupt us…rabbit trails, rabbit holes, rabbit ears on siblings, bunny rabbit shadow puppets, etc. Suddenly remembering a phone call that needs to be made, or a bill that needs to be paid, or an email that needs to be sent, or chore that needs to be completed…these flashes of interruption can ruin a morning plan…or upset a whole day’s schedule.
Interruptions. They’re so unnerving. We are set in one direction with clear focus, and then, out of the blue, our focus is redirected, away from our intention. Ugh.
After recently seeing a recommendation to read Psalm 136 for encouragement, I listened to it as I drove to an appointment today. (Thanks Bible Gateway app for having an audio option!)
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever
13 to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Every time the psalmist starts with one thought, he interrupts himself with the great truth “His love endures forever”. He tries to move on to another thought, and that truth just comes back again: “His love endures forever.” From creation to captivity, from rescue to redemption, each singular thought is followed by the interjection “His love endures forever”.
Like the student who says “Oh, I know, I know, I know!!!” while waving his hand in class…or the child who says “Hey mom, mom, mom” while mom is on the phone…this repetitive interruption will not allow itself to be overlooked. “Hey! Don’t forget about me!” it demands.
Give thanks to the Lord….his love endures forever. (NIV)
He is the God of all gods…his mercy endureth forever. (KJV)
He made the whole universe and all that is in it… his loving kindness continues forever. (TLB)
He defeats all enemies…his faithfulness is everlasting. (NASB)
He gives us all we need…his steadfast love endures forever. (NRSV)
He remembers us when we are low…his grace continues forever (CJB)
He provides food for every creature…his love endures forever (NCB)
He deserves all our praise…his love never quits. (Message)
Regardless of the translation you prefer to read, that precious nagging notion is the same: God’s love lasts forever. It is with us eternally. He wants to share his love with us continually. His compassion never quits. God’s. Love. Is. Forever.
What if we adopted the mindset of the psalmist and allowed ourselves to indulge in the repetitive reminder of God’s love?
Knock, knock, knock on the bathroom door, “MoMMMMMM???” (God’s love is with us forever.)
Crash! Well that didn’t sound good! (God’s love is with us forever.)
“Ummmm….I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” (God’s love is with us forever.)
“We’re calling with your test results.” (God’s love is with us forever.)
Thank you, God, for being with me through it all. Your love is with me forever.
Thanks, http://www.biblegateway.com for the speedy translation assistance.