We had a picnic to celebrate choir tour one year, and she asked if anyone wanted to find a scripture to share and talk about. No one raised their hands--except me! I had about 20 minutes to find a scripture and talk about it--my first "sermon!"
So, I opened up my Bible to Psalm 69. And ever since then it has spoken to me. It spoke to me as a sixth grader who thought her world was caving in on her. And to me today when I feel like things aren't going as I want them to! I love this Psalm.
"Save me, God because the waters have reached my neck! I have sunk into deep mud. My feet can't touch the bottom. I have entered deep water; the flood has swept me up! I am tired of crying. My throat is hoarse. My eyes are done with waiting for my God! More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me for no reason. My treacherous enemies, those who would destroy me are countless. Must I now give back what I didn't steal in the first place!" (69:1-4)
But then it ends hopeful! "Let the afflicted see and be glad! You who seek God--let your hearts beat strong again because the Lord listens to the needy and doesn't despise his captives!" (32-33)
God is good! Are you crying out to him in the depths of your despair? What scripture comforts you in those times?
Blessings!
Pastor Emily
Pastor Emily
2 comments:
69:1-4 = poetry to describe shame, failure and frustration.
I have a foot note in my Bible that says verses like 69:22-28 are a healthy way to deal with the feeling of anger when expressed to God in prayer. Do we need to give God ideas of how to take care of our problems? It doesn't sound like Jesus when he says our thoughts can be sins, just like our actions.
We have all, at some time or another, felt like we are trapped in water up to our necks. What a beautiful reminder this Psalm is that the Lord hears us and saves us from the flood!
Blessings!
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