October 2 Thought for Today – “Higga’ion” “The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higga’ion. Selah!” Psalm 92:16 “Higga’ion!” What a strange word! Unless you have an older King James Version you may never have seen it. But it occurs three times in the book of Psalms - Psalms 9:16; 19:14; 92:3 and once in Lamentations. The word generally has two meanings, one of a general character, implying thought; reflection , and another, in Psalms 9:16 & 92:3) considered to be a technical musical term (perhaps giving musical expression to the feelings suggested by the preceding words). The meaning in Lamentations 3:62 is credited to reflect the writer’s imagination (“the lips of my enemies are whispering against me”). The musical term is thought to indicate “the murmuring tone of a harp” or “a deep vibrating sound, resonating from within the heart.” “Higga’ion” (pronounced hi-gi’-on) seems to indicate the emotions one might feel at a time of deep reflection, both positive and negative. One might experience higga’ion while rocking a baby or small child to sleep, enjoying the child’s serene trust while safe in your arms. Or it might be the satisfaction one takes in surveying something they have accomplished, like a builder reviewing a newly-completed project. Or it might come at a time of sad reflection when things have turned out badly, and you wish the outcome had been different. In Psalm 9:13-16, King David was in despair over “those who hate me,” and he asked God to “have mercy on me and consider my trouble.” He mourned about how far “into the pit” the nations had sunk, and the fact that “the wicked are ensnared by the work of their own hands.” David understood the judgment awaiting the wicked, reflecting deeply on that fact. By Psalm 92:1-3 at a more joyful time in his life, David paused to give thanks to the Lord and “to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare your loving-kindness in the morning and your faithfulness every night, on an instrument of ten strings or on a lute with harmonious sound.” Ever the musician, David included his musical skills as part of his thankfulness. In Psalm 19:14 he wrote what appears in many lists of memory verses: “ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.” Here, David used higga’ion to link what he said verbally to a deep meaning within his heart – not just “mere” words, but a heartfelt expression of his love for God. In Lamentations 3:62 the inference of higga’ion is of a person thinking too deeply on what he or she thinks someone else is doing or saying, without proof that they are. So how does “higga’ion” - or what it stands for – apply to us? As I interpret it, “higga’ion” requires our taking more time than we usually do to think quietly, thoughtfully, and reflectively. A few years ago, Richard Swenson, M.D., wrote a book entitled “Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives.” Dr. Swenson says we live in an age where our unprecedented pace and complexity of life causes so much stress there is no “margin” left to protect us from overload. In turn, this causes burn-out. Burn-out certainly gets in the way of “higga’ion.” The doctor’s prescription: set aside specific time for ourselves in the areas of exercise, rest, relationships with others, and meditation of Scripture. This calls for greater realization of our need, and self-discipline to make it happen. Years ago, lyricist William C. Longstaff wrote the poem, “Take time to be holy.” In a nutshell, that’s what it takes to accomplish “higga’ion.” Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord; abide in Him always, and feed on His Word. Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be; thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide; and run not before Him, whatever betide. In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord, and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul, each thought and each motive beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above. Selah! copsonthestreet
Posted on: Thu, 02 Oct 2014 10:11:43 +0000
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