Psalm Meditation 1206 ¶Proper 12 ¶July 30, 2023 ¶Psalm 72 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+72&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶For most of us, our first thought is for ourselves and those close to us. The psalmist prays that the ruler of Israel give first thought to those who do not have the power, money, or other resources to fend for themselves. As the poor, needy, and oppressed prosper so do all the other people in the nation. The psalmist knows that when those of the lowest degree are able to thrive and prosper, those of all other groups find their resources increase as well. When the people of a nation prosper, the nation becomes a model and magnet for other nations and peoples. ¶When we live with a scarcity mindset we find ourselves hoarding, storing up for ourselves, just in case the shortage we sense gets worse and worse. Many years ago, probably mid 1980s, a study was done to determine the best way to increase the food supply so that everyone would have enough food to meet their dietary needs. The results of the study were that there was already enough food being produced to feed the people of the world. It was not a scarcity problem, it was a distribution problem. ¶While we have years of experience living with the belief that there can’t possibly be enough of whatever it is to go around, the truth is there is more than enough of all the important resources to take care of all the people of the world. When we join the psalmist in praying and asking that our rulers seek and follow the will of God rather than declaring that God blesses what they desire, we will find ourselves in a peaceable realm that touches each person as a child and heir of God. ¶July 25, 2023 ¶LCM