Psalm 37: Let Go

Psalm 37.1-19

Don't fret.  Trust.  Delight. Commit. Be still.  Refrain.

These are the actions to which the psalmist calls us.  They are not those of the one who takes charge, who expects to be in control.  Rather they are the marks of one is who prepared to place his or her faith in another, to see that spiritual strength comes not from going it alone, trying to bull one's way through, to do things by oneself.  The psalmist, purportedly David, advises us that the way to God is through relinquishing our belief in our ability to control the world around us.  If the great king David, that successful builder of an empire, that incomparable leader of men, can let go, surely we can, too.

Letting go is just one of the things we are called to do during Lent.  By giving up our sense that we're in charge, we begin to make space for God's kingdom to enter into our lives.  And when that happens, we will see things in a new light, and begin to focus on what we have done and what we have left undone that impairs our relationship with God and with God's people.

Let go.  See what happens.

Of David.
1 Do not fret because of the wicked;
   do not be envious of wrongdoers,
2 for they will soon fade like the grass,
   and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
   so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
   and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
   trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine like the light,
   and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
   do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
   over those who carry out evil devices.

8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.
   Do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For the wicked shall be cut off,
   but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;
   though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.
11 But the meek shall inherit the land,
   and delight in abundant prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous,
   and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
   for he sees that their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend their bows
   to bring down the poor and needy,
   to kill those who walk uprightly;
15 their sword shall enter their own heart,
   and their bows shall be broken.

16 Better is a little that the righteous person has
   than the abundance of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
   but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The Lord knows the days of the blameless,
   and their heritage will abide for ever;
19 they are not put to shame in evil times,
   in the days of famine they have abundance.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 51:1-18: Sacrifice

During Lent people often talk about the things they've given up as a sacrifice.  That offering can seem like a burden.  Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not.  It's good when we part with something that matters so that we can deepen our faith.  It's not when in doing so, we act as if we're doing God some kind of favor, one that deserves praise and acknowledgment.  The psalmist, along with the prophets and others in Scripture, not to mention Jesus, knew this reality.  They knew that it was all too easy for people to fake sacrifice, to look like they were doing something for God but in reality were doing something to boost their own reputation righteousness.  Here, in verses 17 and 18 and Psalm 51 we are told what God really seeks from us: not an animal on an altar, but real introspection and an honest accounting of our sins.  "Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.  The sacrifice o
Read more

Shortest Day

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  You've probably heard by now about the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which should be quite a sight.  Of course, this being 2020, the sky will probably be overcast obscuring this celestial event. But rather than be pessimistic, I will indulge in some optimism, some hope, that we will be able to see what has been dubbed "The Christmas Star" - even though Christmas isn't until the 25th and Jesus was likely born in March.  Still, it's the thought that counts, right?  Advent is all about hopeful anticipation, and we're coming to its glorious conclusion. I choose to welcome Christ with an open heart.  What about you?  Will you join me?  Will you look heavenward, confident that, clouds or no clouds, Our Lord is coming to be with us?
Read more

Girl Power

I honestly don't know whether referring to "girl power" is, as they now say, "problematic."  I use it with reference to today's Scripture readings with only the greatest of respect.  The stories of Scripture are as much about women as they are men.  Consider Hannah, mother of Samuel, and Mary, mother of Jesus, who were two strong, empowered women whose faith guided their lives, example and morals shaped their sons, and witness that inspired the faithful for generations.  As we approach Christmas, let us remember these two women who have done so much to shape the faith through their commitment, grit, and love.
Read more