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