Psalm Meditation 1359 ¶Proper 9 ¶July 5, 2026 ¶Psalm 69 ¶https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2069&version=NRSVUE ¶When we find ourselves in times of trouble our first thought is for ourselves. We want to be rescued, we want to know ‘why me,’ and we want everyone who is picking on us to stop and be punished for having done so. We have trouble believing that we deserve the bad treatment we are getting, even if we can think of some reasons why we would. They are minor infractions that are of little consequence unless someone uses them to paint all my people with the same broad brush. ¶After bemoaning the current situation, the psalmist calls on God to offer redemption and comfort from suffering. It is often the case that once one person begins to pick on us, we see the actions of others as participating in the same behavior, even if that is not what they are doing. Even otherwise helpful words and actions can be heard and felt as if they are a part of the problem. When we turn to God in prayer and fasting, our adversaries see us as appeasing the wrong person. Our actions seem to make things worse for us. ¶Prayer and fasting is not a substitute for looking at a situation with clear heart, mind, and eyes. We may discover that we have done something to hurt those who appeared to attack us unprovoked. If that is what we see, we can make the effort to apologize and make amends. If we discover that we are being targeted for being different, we can turn to God for comfort and strength in moving away from those who do not see us in a kindly light. “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own who are in bonds.” ¶June 29, 2026 ¶LCM