Psalm Meditation 1167 ¶Proper 26 ¶October 30, 2022 ¶Psalm 51 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+51&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶Many of us have that list of actions and inactions that have done damage to those around us. They gnaw at us for years at a time. If we are lucky we can find a way to resolve the situation and atone for our sin. We join the psalmist in asking God to forgive us and cleanse us from the feelings of guilt and shame. The plea for forgiveness becomes a regular part of our prayer life. ‘If only God could forgive me, I would be better able to seek the forgiveness of others, as well as forgive those who I feel have wronged me.’ ¶Yes, God wants us to look at ourselves honestly to see where we are in need of forgiveness and redemption. God also wants us to let go of things that haunt us as if they were dreadful sins. I discover that in a lot of cases God has already offered me forgiveness and, because I feel unworthy, I have been unable to open myself to it. Confession is good for the soul as long as we can let go of our guilt in order to make room for forgiveness. And forgiveness does not remove the consequences of our actions, only the crippling guilt. ¶God has created a clean heart for each of us and is ready to put that new and right spirit within us, if we will make room for it by letting go of the broken hearts to which we cling so desperately. God wants an open and wholesome relationship with each one of us. We don’t need to clutter it up with bargains and promises, simply be in the presence of God. ¶October 24, 2022 ¶LCM

Psalm Meditation 1166 ¶Proper 25 ¶October 23, 2022 ¶Psalm 44 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+44&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶I believe that God has more important things to do than move us around like marionettes on the stage of the world, so there is no script or detailed plan for the lives we live. God gives us choices and exerts influence on us to choose the one that leads to a deepening relationship with God and those around us. God is aware that we are free to make choices that lead us away from God as much as we are choices that lead us closer. There is likely some disappointment when we move away, however there is no loss of love for us. ¶This means that God is not the one who fights our battles for us, or leaves us to suffer and die alone when our choices lead away from God. The good thing about this is that God is always with us whether we are aware of that presence or not. The downside is that God is not responsible for our actions. God does not do things to us or for us; God is with us. In times of trouble, God may open our hearts and eyes to those who are ready, willing, and able to help us out. In good times God may open our hearts and eyes to those in need of something we have to offer. ¶Despite the psalmist’s calling on God to give us victory rather than letting us get broken and abandoned, I do not believe God works that way. The way of God is to move us in directions that lead to deepening relationships with all those around us, including God. We are responsible for our own thoughts and actions, while God is responsive to us in every time and place, guiding us in the way that leads to abundant life and steadfast love. ¶October 18, 2022 ¶LCM

Psalm Meditation 1165 ¶Proper 24 ¶October 16, 2022 ¶Psalm 37 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶The history of the word ‘fret’ traces from Old English to Germanic and means to ‘eat up.’ I imagine and hope that I am not the only one who has ever eaten myself up with worry or envy over what someone else has received or achieved when I ‘deserved’ it more than they. I have also fretted about someone else taking things from me through an evil machination, even if it was not mine to begin with. Fretting does nothing to accomplish our goals and robs us of the energy we need to be productive as we eat ourselves up with worry. ¶The psalmist tells us to worry less about the achievements of others, especially those who have achieved things through dishonest means. While those who use selfish and dishonest means to get what they want, their gains do not last. Eventually they are found out and any good reputation they have had falls apart in the clear light of day. The psalmist reminds us to commit ourselves to the LORD since what we give and receive in a relationship with God lasts longer and does more good than any amount of selfish acts. ¶There are faithful people who have a little and there are faithful who have a lot. The important thing for each of them is the relationship with God that has been formed and nurtured in the course of a lifetime. As people of faith we learn to help those in need and to rejoice with those who have abundance that they use to help others. The mark of faithfulness is not in our possessions as much as it is in our relationships. ¶October 11, 2022 ¶LCM

Psalm Meditation 1164 ¶Proper 23 ¶October 9, 2022 ¶Psalm 30 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶Much of what happens to us is based on our actions, reactions, and attitudes. Some folks can jump off of buildings, land properly, and run off to the next obstacle. The rest of us will land badly, break at least one bone, and never stand as we did before. It has to do with what we take into the experience with us. If we have worked our way up to the otherwise impossible feat we have a much better chance of pulling it off successfully than if we make the jump haphazardly, tense up instead of relax, and miss the mark in some dangerous foolhardy way. ¶The psalmist is grateful that God has “drawn me up and did not let my foes rejoice over me.” Did God act as a special favor to the psalmist, or did the psalmist’s faithfulness and regular faith practice play a part in the help God was able to give? There was an existing relationship between the psalmist and God that allowed God’s activity to be anticipated and experienced. We can’t expect God to act in a certain way, however we can anticipate that God will be with us in a way that will be calming and helpful. ¶I believe that God is not in the habit of stepping in to stir the pot in order to save us from our own foolishness. God is with us and available to us. If we have formed a relationship with God, we will be more likely to notice where and when God is active in and around us. Knowing that God is with us gives us the courage to do the right thing, even if will be painful for us. “Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!” ¶October 4, 2022 ¶LCM