Psalm Meditation 487
Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
October 18, 2009

Psalm 93
1 The LORD is king, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, he is girded with strength. He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
2 your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.
4 More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters, more majestic than the waves of the sea, majestic on high is the LORD!
5 Your decrees are very sure; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.
(NRSV)

In the midst of a trial, especially one as frightening and devastating as a flood, it is easy to forget everything we know. The main reason we have drills and practices is to make the skills needed automatic, to give them multiple pathways in conscious and unconscious ways. The psalmist reminds us that in the most devastating events God is more mighty and majestic than the power with which we are contending.

It doesn’t mean that God will pluck us out of the calamity. It does mean that before, during and after God is both with us and far and away above us. If our primary objective is physical survival it is not much comfort because God does not promise to save our lives. God promises to be with us. For those whose goal is to be in a relationship with God it is wonderful to know that God is with us in the best, the worst and the in between times.

When we practice and drill concerning the presence of God we can be better prepared for the times in which it seems that all is lost. God’s presence is not a reason or excuse to give up in times of trial so much as it is a reminder that we are not alone. The presence of God may inspire us to acts of heroism for ourselves and others; it may simply give us the courage to face calamity with our fears and hopes intact. We live in the presence of God assured of the overarching holiness and majesty of God.

© October 12, 2009