(The original blog in Japanese is here. 「小さな応援歌」)
In the previous section, "Testing Humanity," I quoted from the Book of Sirach in the Old Testament.
I will introduce that passage in a little more detail.
Sirach, Chapter 2
1 My son, if you intend to serve the Lord,
prepare yourself for trials.
2 Brace your hearts and endure. Do not be troubled in times of calamity.
3 Cling to the Lord and never leave him. In this way, you will have a prosperous old age.
4 Accept all hardships that come upon you. Even if you suffer humiliation, be patient.
5 As gold is refined in the fire,
man is tempered in the furnace of humiliation,
and is acceptable to God. [Trust in the Lord when you are sick and poor.]
6 Trust in the Lord. And he will help you. Stay on your path and hope in the Lord.
7 O you who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy and do not turn aside, lest you go astray.
8 O you who fear the Lord, trust in him and you will be rewarded.
9 O you who fear the Lord, wait for the good things he will give you, his everlasting joy and mercy. [He will reward you with everlasting joys.]
10 Look back at the people of old and consider them carefully. Has anyone trusted in the Lord and been deceived? Has anyone worshiped him and been rejected? Has anyone called on him and been ignored?
11 For the Lord is gracious and merciful,
forgiving our sins and
helping us in our troubles.
------------
( original japanese draft 06/02/2012)
Not for away, I plan to change the post date to the original post date.