Readings: Psalms 79-84

Psalm 84:10 – “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!”

Disaster has come upon Israel. Psalm 79 details how the temple was defiled, the walls were ruined, and the people were killed. The psalmist asks, “How long will you rage?” That is a question we all ask during extended seasons in the dark valleys. The psalmist begs for deliverance – and for vengeance. God pay them back. And remember us, the sheep of your own pasture.

Psalm 80 continues this plea. The psalmist reminds God that Israel is the vibe that God brought out of Egypt and planted in Zion. The vibe is now chopped down and burned. O God, attend to your vine. Be with us God and we will not turn away. Psalm 81 functions as a response from God. It begins with a call to praise God but quickly God begins to speak (through the psalmist’s words.) These words begin with a remembrance of the exile from Egypt. God warned them about idols but the people didn’t listen. God laments, only if they could “walk in my ways.” God would then subdue their enemies and feed Israel the finest wheat and honey. If only we would turn from our idols… then God would give us hope, peace, joy, grace…

Psalm 82 gives us a peak into ancient thought. In the divine council God questions how justice is (or isn’t) being administered. It seems that the “lesser beings” are not properly caring for the poor… God removes their immortality and steps in as the judge.

A call for God’s actions fills Psalm 83. The enemies have gathered and threatened Israel. The psalmist calls for God to act, to make the enemy “like tumbleweeds.” Then all will know that God alone rules over the whole earth. At times in our lives we can pray these prayers. We just want God to remove that which is causing us pain.

Our readings close with Psalm 84. These are beautiful words about being in God’s home. It begins with a yearning to be with God. The psalmist declares, “Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else!” Oh to be in God’s presence. Oh to experience God’s favor and glory. Oh to trust in the Lord our God. Oh we yearn to have God’s presence all around us. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the Lord of all creation. You are our good shepherd who watches over us, leads us, provides for us. When we stray, pull us back into the fold, back into the presence that is better than life itself. Thank you, God. Amen.