Ouachita Stories

Reflections on Psalm 46: Stand empty

To finish the Psalm, God himself speaks. Is he speaking to the nations or to his people? It’s hard to tell exactly, but it seems to apply to both. In fact, God might just be speaking to all of creation, reminding us and them and the whole world that he alone is God!

Ouachita appoints alumnus Larry Grayson as chair of the Department of Worship Arts

Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Fine Arts has appointed alumnus Larry Grayson as chair of the Department of Worship Arts and instructor of music. Originally from Camden, Ark., Grayson previously served 10 years as music and worship consultant for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) in Little Rock, Ark.

Reflections on Psalm 46: Come, see the works of the Lord

We are invited to “come and see” the works of the Lord. Look at what the Lord has done and is doing. Never a bad thing. Sometimes we see the Lord’s works made visible in our world, and at other times we see with the eyes of faith his deep work in the hearts of people.

Reflections on Psalm 46: The Lord of Armies

In this portion of the Psalm, we see a stark contrast between the craziness of earth and the steadfastness of our Lord. Pretty much our daily experience, wouldn’t you say? One thing is happening with the “nations, kingdoms and the earth,” while a very different and far better thing is going on with “the Lord of Armies … the God of Jacob.”

16 tips for handling stress, worry, anxiety and fear

Separate out and identify the toxic and destructive worry from the good worry. “Good worry” amounts to planning. It produces action, action that will help eliminate or diminish most of our worry. Toxic worry is the enemy. It is repetitive, paralyzing, frightening and unproductive.

Reflections on Psalm 46: There is a river

Last time we talked about how Martin Luther’s famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” draws from Psalm 46. Did you also know that when the bubonic plague hit Luther’s city (Wittenberg, Germany) in 1527, that he and his wife Katharina (pregnant at the time) chose to stay and minister to the sick and dying?

Reflections on Psalm 46: Though the earth trembles

I like to be in control. I’ll admit it. But there are some things I simply cannot control no matter how hard I try. I can’t control the weather. I can’t control what other people do. I can’t control the bad things that sometimes happen to those I love. I can’t control viral pandemics. When it hits us that we really cannot control every circumstance, sometimes we start to fear.

Reflections on Psalm 46: God, our refuge and strength

It’s the middle of March 2020, and the coronavirus is beginning to hit the U.S. in a big way. We’ve never seen anything like this in my lifetime. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that our hope doesn’t depend on this world, especially when trials ambush us. But we need to be reminded and comforted. We need to hear from the Lord.

From the "Ouachitonian": Ryan Lewis

Dr. Ryan Lewis is the associate professor of percussion at Ouachita Baptist University. Percussion is Lewis’ primary instrument. He has performed in many different professional symphony orchestras and made appearances with various music groups. Originally from South Carolina, Lewis started his music career at a very early age.

Coronavirus news related anxiety

If you’re among those who’ve recognized that you’re feeling more stressed, anxious or on edge with the uptick in Coronavirus/COVID-19 news and precautions announcements, here are a few things that might be helpful to remember and put into practice to find calm, and to manage your mental health.