Psalm Meditation 1210 ¶Proper 16 ¶August 27, 2023 ¶Psalm 64 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+64&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶When we complain it is to two very different types of people. We complain to those we believe share our opinion of the object of our complaint. These folks are not in a position to do anything about our complaint except to nod and join in the conversation with their own complaints about the subject. It becomes an increasingly intense conversation as we dig deeper into our wells of disgust regarding this object of our shared ire. There is a hidden hope that the other will take our common concerns to the proper authorities to get it fixed to our satisfaction. ¶The psalmist takes the other course of action, taking the complaint to one who has the power and authority to do something about the source of our complaint. God can’t keep people from scheming against us or plotting our destruction in some form. God can open the hearts and minds of good people to see the inherent evil in the actions and intentions of those around us. When enough people see the evil in the actions and ideas of the selfish, greedy people of an area they can stand in opposition to that evil and expose it to the ridicule it deserves. ¶As much fun as the first choice can be, to talk about the faults and flaws of others with those who share our view—to gossip, It is not a productive way to solve a problem. If we are not in a position to deal with the concern directly we can go to the person or group who does have the authority to address the concern. God is certainly one to whom we can go for help and support. It is possible God will work in the life of the other in such a way that our concern is dealt with. It is just as possible that God will work within us to show us how we can live in harmony with the other, or live with the dissonance that is our relationship. “Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in [God]. Let all the upright in heart glory.” ¶August 21, 2023 ¶LCM