Psalm Meditation 1208 ¶Proper 14 ¶August 13, 2023 ¶Psalm 86 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+86&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶In some cultures, including that of ancient Israel, it is understood that surrounding cultures have their own deities that share space with those of other groups. This is why it is important to know the name/names of those who reign over our particular people group. It is the task of our divinity to push others out of the way to show that our group is bigger, faster, and stronger than yours. Our human wars, battles, and conflicts are extensions of the divine battle for supremacy. ¶In this psalm, the psalmist makes the bold claim “For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.” (86:10.) One way of hearing this statement is that our God is the most powerful of all the pantheon. My preference is to hear it as a statement of monotheism, that there is only one God. For those who worship numerous deities, it is dividing the attributes of God into several parts for ease of petitioning the one who is in charge of my particular concern. We each have moments in which we need a particular attribute of God in order to face what lies before us. Some choose to have a separate deity, others choose to approach a particular characteristic of God knowing that all of YHWH will be present with us. ¶The psalmist continues with a request to be taught the way of God in a way that is clear along with the ability and willingness to follow with an undivided heart. The psalmist also reminds us that there are always folks out to get us, who do not see eye to eye with us on questions including how and even if God is present among us. It is the grace and mercy of God that will finally bring us into the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. In the strength of God’s gifts to us we too will be able to live out the steadfast love of God toward all those around us. ¶August 8, 2023 ¶LCM