pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Inner Strength

Readings: Psalms 137-140

‭Psalm 138:3 – “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.”

Psalms 137 and 138 offer lament and then raise up thanks and trust. These two represent much of what we find in the Psalms and in all of life – highs and lows. In Psalm 137 the psalmist laments a hard experience in exile. Their “tormentors” wanted them to sing a joyful song. How could they sing joyfully in exile? The response, instead, is a plea for Babylon’s (and Edom’s) downfall. In Psalm 138 we see a better choice. The psalmist turns towards Jerusalem and the temple. Here we read, “On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.” God is faithful. God hears and responds. The Psalm closes with this plea to God: “don’t let go.”

Psalm 139 expresses a deep connection with God. The psalmist recognizes that God knows them inside out. This is at first overwhelming, “too much for me.” There is nowhere the psalmist could go to avoid this overwhelming knowing. Even darkness would be no relief. In verse 13 there is a shift. The psalmist realizes that God knit them together and that God has good plans for them. After a brief dive into hating evil and seeking their destruction, the psalmist returns to self, inviting God to know him or her even more.

Psalm 140 is a plea for protection. For those who plot evil,“spider poison is on their lips.” The psalmist cries out to God for help, hoping for evil’s downfall. In the end, the psalmist knows deep down in his or her heart, “those who do right will live in your presence.” Through all of the highs and lows, for all in between, may this too be our daily choice: to live right, to be in God’s presence.

Prayer: Lord God, through all of life’s ebbs and flows, you are there. Walk with us daily, keeping us from evil and defending us when it arises in our lives. Grow in us a trust in you as our knowledge of you grows in us. Grant us an inner strength in the trials and sufferings, a strength that clings to you. Amen.


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The Initial Journey

Reading: Psalm 119:1-88

‭Psalm 119:32 – “I run the same path as your commandments because you give my heart insight.”

Today and tomorrow we delve into Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses and just over 2,400 words. Although lost in translation, the Psalm’s original structure was amazing. It is an acrostic poem. Each stanza begins with one of the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. What’s amazing is that they go in order. What’s really amazing is that in its original form, all eight lines in each stanza all started with that same letter. One last nerdy note: the psalmist used eight different words for the “Law.” This is the focus of Psalm 119.

Alef and Bet begin the Psalm. Their common theme is faith in youth. There is a longing to know God’s ways better. This only comes with time and experience. Gimel and Dalet introduce some lament or suffering. The psalmist’s young faith is “worn out” by studying the Law. Perhaps this feeling arises because challenges have arisen to test their faith. Some are within and some are without. We too experience these situations as we seek to grow in our faith, trust, assurance…

In He and Waw it feels like the psalmist has turned the corner, has gotten through the initial season of testing. The response comes in pleas to help them keep the Law. There is a knowledge that testing will come. Zayin and Khet return to suffering and trial. The psalmist recognizes God’s comfort and mercy. In Tet and Yod the words turn personal. Their maturing faith acknowledges that the suffering was just and that it led them to repentance. The lessons were good for their faith growth. We too learn much in the valleys.

Today’s portion of Psalm 119 closes with Kaf, the 11th letter. The psalmist’s life has returned to a time of testing. They now yearn for God’s help. They ask “How long?” Growth has occurred, though. Instead of the defeated attitude of a young faith, like we see in Gimel and Dalet, there is now a confidence that God will come through again. The psalmist is resolute about walking in faith. May it be so for us as well.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the encouragement and for the reminder that faith is a journey. We do not begin and find ourselves at perfection. Faith is a long and slow and steady walk into a deeper and deeper relationship with you. Give us strength for the journey. Bless us with grace when we stray. Grant us perseverance. Walk with us. Amen.


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The Goodness of God

Readings: Psalms 102-104

‭Psalm 104:24 – “LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations!”

Psalm 102 begins in lament. The psalmist cries out for God to hear their prayers. Their bones are crushed; their heart is smashed. They eat ashes instead of bread. And then in verse 12 the psalmist remembers the God who reigns forever. Yes, God will stand up. Yes, God will look down, hear, and set free “those condemned to death.” Even though the psalmist feels like God is “cutting short my days,” the Psalm closes with a petition for God’s presence to be with his or her children and descendants.

The mood shifts in Psalms 103 and 104. These Psalms celebrate God’s love and care for all of creation. Psalm 103 begins with thanks for forgiveness and healing, for love and compassion, for the good things God provides. The psalmist celebrates God’s patience and mercy, remembering that we don’t get what our sins deserve. Instead, God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west.” It is noted that this because God knows how we are made. God made us! And even though our days “are like grass,” God’s days are forever. The Psalm closes with a call for heaven and earth, for all of creation, to join the psalmist’s whole being in praising the Lord.

Psalm 104 continues this invitation. The psalmist celebrates God’s creative prowess. He or she recognizes the wine, oil, and bread that God provides to sustain and enrich our lives as signs of God’s goodness. The psalmist proclaims, “LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations!” What a celebration of who and what God is! In verses 29-30 we are reminded that God is the giver and taker of breath and life. Then at the end of this Psalm we find a request to “wipe clean from the earth” the wicked. When I read this it felt a bit out of place after all of the praise and celebration in verses 1-34. My Bible’s notes revealed this truth: these are those who seek to disrupt the goodness of God and God’s creation. Ah ha!

Prayer: Lord God, yes, we too have our days and seasons when we feel crushed, when we feel oppressed. In these times, Lord, remind us of your constant presence and of how you are faithful to hear and to respond. Bring to memory the healing and restoration we’ve experienced and lead us to trust into your love and compassion for us. From there may we respond with praise and thanksgiving to the one who creates and reigns wisely and faithfully. There may we celebrate the goodness of God. Amen


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Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows

Readings: Psalms 85-89

‭Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!”

Photo credit: Franzie Allen Miranda

Today’s Psalms rise and fall like the highs and lows of our lives. Like these Psalms, our faith can bounce from “Praise God!” to “Where are you, God?” more often than we’d like. Psalm 85, for example, begins with thanks for God’s forgiveness then quickly pivots to a God who seems angry, who yet needs to forgive their sins. The Psalm closes beautifully and with hope. “Truth springs up… righteousness looks down.” Walk with the Lord!

Psalm 86 begins with a series of petitions, each followed by a “because.” In verse 2, for example, we read, “Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you — you! My God!” Do these things, God, because I have faith! After celebrating times when God was faithful, the psalmist invites God to act once again: “Come back to me! Have mercy on me!” A faithful one asks, “Where are you, God?”

A short Psalm 87 celebrates that those from Zion are blessed.

Next we turn to Psalm 88. Frankly, it is hard to read. It is a lament that goes down and down, ending in hopelessness. The psalmist cries out to God but feels beyond help. Friends have abandoned the writer. It feels like God has too. The Psalm concludes: “My only friend is darkness.” So why read Psalms like this? There is a really good reason. They remind us that life is not easy. Many people end up here. If you’re not one, then read this Psalm and allow yourself to feel the pain and darkness. The connection will bring a measure of empathy to how you minister to those who walk in the darkness.

We close with Psalm 89 as book 3 ends. A lengthy remembrance of God’s power and of God’s promises to David and his dynasty is followed by 15 verses that ask where God is. It seems that God has broken the covenant. It begs God to let the anger pass. There is an implied plea for restoration. Because you promised this God and because I am faithful… We can certainly relate.

Prayer: Lord God, we encounter so many ups and downs, so many highs and lows today in our readings. Thank you, Lord, for the reminder. We all struggle. We all need support, encouragement, understanding – from you and from one another. We can all offer these things to others. Guide us, O God, each day. As we receive, may we give. Amen.


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Judge, Rescuer, Creator

Readings: Psalms 5-8

‭Psalm 7:8 – “The LORD will judge the peoples. Establish justice for me, LORD, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity.”

Photo credit: Michael Michelovski

Psalms 5-7 are Psalms of lament and sorrow. All three cry out to God, lifting cries for rescue, protection, deliverance – all from those who do evil, whether it is those in the world or if the evil is within us. The psalmist(s) cry out, “Hear my words, Lord!”… “Have mercy on me, Lord” … “Get up, Lord; get angry!” There is an urgency and there is a trust that God will act. This trust is built on God’s “abundant, faithful love” and on a God who is “a righteous judge.” In the end, there is a belief that our good, loving, just God will surely triumph over evil.

These Psalms also express a sure need for God. In Psalm 5: “Make your way clear, right in front of me.” We need guidance. In Psalm 6: “Come back to me, Lord! Deliver me.” We need God’s presence and God’s rescue. In Psalm 7: “Save me from all who chase me!” We need God’s deliverance. Each Psalm acknowledges that there is evil in the world that we cannot overcome on our own. We saw this in Job’s story. In 7:8 the psalmist writes: “The LORD will judge the peoples. Establish justice for me, LORD, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity.” Job could’ve spoken these words. We would like to be able to speak these words.

There is a strong shift as we turn to Psalm 8. It is a Psalm of Praise sprinkled in amongst the laments. It is needed after Psalms 5-7. The Psalm opens and closes by acknowledging the majesty of God. This is noticed in the night sky – the works of God’s fingers. The vastness and majesty of the stars and moon is initially contrasted with the smallness of humanity. The author asks, “What are human beings that you pay attention to them?” Well, they are divinely made in God’s image and they are tasking with caring well for God’s creation. Both of these are awesome responsibilities. In these roles may we strive to reflect God’s spirit, intention, and purpose in creation, shining brightly for all to see.

Prayer: Lord God, today we hear the cries of the psalmist(s) for your presence, for your justice, for your righteousness, for your power and might. When we are in need, remind us of these words and of the trust and faith contained in them. And, Lord, when we have the opportunity to care well for one another and for all other parts of your creation, may your generous love guide us. Amen.


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Sing a New Song

Reading: Psalm 149

Verse 1: “Sing to the Lord a new song.”

God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the same then, now, and forever. The scriptures have existed in their present format for almost 2,000 years. When we read today, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” is the psalmist still speaking to us today?

Music has always been a part of the worship of God. Even before the Psalms were written and sung, God’s people were expressing their faith through music and song. The Psalms run the gamut of expression – from the laments to heartfelt prayers to the celebration of God’s presence and activity among the people of God. The tradition of proclaiming our faith has continued throughout the history of the church. Music – be they hymns or gospels or contemporary praise songs – it all teaches theology and offers shared experiences of our encounters with God through sung expression. When each of these works were written and shared, they were a “new song” to the Lord.

These new songs run the gamut of the Psalms. Many address what we Methodists call “social justice” and “social holiness.” Music centered on love and peace, hope and justice calls us and society to a better world, to a holier way of living and of treating one another. Some of the voices come from the edges, adding to this rich mix of music, expressing the pain of being ignored or shunned or marginalized, sharing the hope of truly being a part of the family of God. Through these new songs we can become more aware of and engaged with the needs of our day. These new songs are evidence of God’s Spirit at work. They are invitations to be a part of God’s growing kingdom here on earth. As people of God and as people of love, peace, hope, and justice, may we too sing these songs.

Prayer: Lord God, continue to bring to our ears the cries for justice and equality and fairness. Guide this music and these cries to trickle down to our hearts, moving us to be people who invite all into the circle of your family. Lead us to speak out and even to fight when it is needed to welcome others into the family of God. You created us all. You love us all. Amen.


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Words of Life

Reading: Jeremiah 15:15-21

Verse 19c: “Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”

Chapter 15 begins as a dual lament. God laments the disobedience and hard hearts of the people. Jeremiah laments where he finds himself – cursed and rejected, abused and alone. This leads him to wonder if God even cares. Our passage today begins with Jeremiah asking for God’s care – via revenge on his enemies. That’s a snapshot into his current emotional state. He laments how taking in and proclaiming God’s word has led him to being an outcast. He asks God why his pain – both physical and emotional – is unending. And then he questions God’s reliability, equating God to “a spring that fails.” His pity party has him spiraling deeper and deeper.

God takes no offense. God understands how hard it is to speak truth to a people bent on evil. God understands how frustrating it is to offer true and abundant life to a people refusing these gifts to chase after the things of this world. God understands because God has been here before and because God is once again torn up about the people’s choices. In grace, God invites Jeremiah back to the task, back to right relationship, back to speaking “worthy” words, back to holy living. This is a great challenge to Jeremiah, to live in the world but not of it. We too wrestle with this challenge.

Much of life is spent living in the world. We too are called to a holy life. God promises to be with us too, to “rescue and save you.” In those moments of doubt and questioning, may we recall these words of truth: “Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.” We know the words of life. We know God is with us. May we ever stand upon these truths.

Prayer: Lord God, when the steps are hard, whisper your words of love. When the temptation to lessen who I am to fit in or to avoid conflict arises, whisper your truths. Strengthen and encourage me for all that living in this world brings. Amen.


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Sing, and Pray!

Reading: Psalm 96

Verses 10 and 11: “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns” … Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.”

Photo credit: Jack Sharp

Psalm 96 is all about singing a song to God, the creator of all things. We are invited to proclaim salvation to all the world. We are encouraged to sing of God’s splendor and majesty, of God’s strength and glory. The psalmist invites us to “bring an offering and come into God’s courts.” Go to church or the temple or synagogue or sanctuary and bring God a thank offering. Go and worship the splendor and glory of the Lord!

We are not invited to sing a solo or even to sing just with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In verse 10 we read, “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” Share the good news and invite all people to join in the worship! “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad.” As our voices come together and praise the Lord, the sea, the fields, the trees – all of creation – will join in the mighty chorus. This vision is part of the Advent. Yes, a part of Advent is the celebration of the birth of Christ. But a part is also to look forward to the second Advent, to the time when the new heaven and earth are established. It is then that this mighty chorus will praise God.

While this vision and these thoughts bring many of us joy and hope and peace and a feeling of being loved, some people are struggling right now. Yesterday we had a Blue Christmas service, ministering to those experiencing grief and loss during the holidays. Several from our community of faith are in the hospital or have family there. It is -16° here and the wind is howling. Suffering is not just emotional but also physical for some. As we sing praises to God, let us also lift a lament for our brothers and sisters who are having a difficult time now. May we cover one another in prayer.

Prayer: Lord God, today I think of those without home and of those whose jobs place them out in the weather. Be a shield about them, lead them to shelter. And my heart is heavy for those battling illness today. Be with them Lord Jesus, be close by their side. Amen.


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Over and Over

Reading: Psalm 66:1-12

Verse 9: “God has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.”

Psalm 66 comes from what many refer to as the hymnal of the Bible. The original use of the Psalms was just that – songs of worship. Some were songs of ascent – sung in the way up to the temple. Some were songs of theology – songs that told of God’s truths and character. Some were songs of lament – songs of trial and suffering. Psalm 66 primarily falls into this last category. Even though it is a song of lament, like most of the other Psalms, it has an element of hope. This hope ever remains because God is always present, especially in the trials and sufferings.

Psalm 66 begins with praise to God. Even in times of difficulty, it is good to begin our prayers by remembering God’s power and might. It places us in the right perspective to pour out our hearts to God. The central remembrance here is the parting of the sea, when God saved Israel from Pharaoh’s army. In verse 9 the song sings, “God has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.” That is Israel’s story over and over. It is the psalmist’s story over and over. It is our story over and over.

In verses 10-12 the psalmist recalls God’s “testing” and how God has always “refined us like silver” during these times. The psalmist remembers the times of passing through“fire and water” and how these difficulties“brought us to a place of abundance.” Yes, hardship and trial come. But God is always present, always working for our ultimate good. God’s faithfulness gives us hope. God’s love and grace gives us the promise of a better future. When the inevitable comes – the trial, the suffering, the hardship – may we ever remember God’s over and over presence, love, and grace. Doing so, may we too sing songs of praise.

Prayer: Lord God, time and time again you have seen me through. Over and over you have brought me through the valley and back into abundant life with you. I know that you are faithful. I know that your love knows no bounds. You are so good to me. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Pour It Out

Reading: Lamentations 1:1-6

Verse 5: “The Lord has brought her grief because of her many sins.”

To lament is to express our grief, our sorrow, our sadness. It is an outpouring of emotions. As I read these opening six verses again today, I wonder how long it took the writer to put these words to paper. When I’ve experienced something horrible, something terrible, it has taken some time to express what I’m feeling. In Lamentations it is clear that some time has passed. The city is deserted, things lie in ruins.

Hardship and suffering sometimes come upon us simply because it is part of life. We are not to “blame,” so to speak. But sometimes we had a hand in what happened, if not directly at least indirectly. In these cases, I think our lament is even deeper. This is the case with today’s writing. The author writes these words in verse 5: “The Lord has brought her grief because of her many sins.” There is a distance here – “her many sins.” The writer does not say “our sins.” Yet the author was there during the sinning. Inaction can also implicate us in the hardship and suffering. Whatever the writer’s connection, there is clearly deep and profound emotions triggered by the recent events in Israel and Judah.

When you have found yourself filled with troubling and difficult emotions, how do you express them? Do you journal? Do you write poetry? Do you paint or use some other artistic means to release these feelings of grief, sorrow, and sadness? Do you find a trusted friend or two to talk with, allowing this space to be your safe outlet? And over and in and through it all, do you pour it out to God in prayer? We must begin with God and then allow ourselves to feel and express our lament. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the safe spaces that you have been and that you have provided in my times and seasons of lament. I trust in you and will return as needed. Lord, draw others into your great heart of compassion. Ease any reservations or hesitations or doubts. Help each of us to feel at home with you. Amen.