There is lament - wailing and weeping could accompany an audible version of the Psalms. Deep questions about Why...? Where...? When, how long ...? are recorded alongside accounts of just how distraught, abandoned, and confused the writers feel.
There is praise - generous statements about God's faithfulness, mercy, goodness and compassion are recorded as fact and as faith. The writers gain confidence as they remember and declare that God is indeed good. We are reminded of God's actions and presence, and we're reminded that we aren't God. Like a child is comforted by a parents nearness, so are we comforted when we remember how God has acted throughout history and in our own lives.The pattern of lament and hymn is repeated over and over throughout individual psalms and throughout the whole book. Its an affirmation of emotion, of grief as well as grace. It's an expression of sorrow touched repeatedly by faithfulness and presence.
In my recent reading, I've become more convinced about the nature of some of our deepest human longings - feelings of abandonment and isolation lay at the core of much human grief. And God, in his love and mercy, repeatedly responds. He is there. We are not alone, not abandoned. We are sheltered, safe, protected. We forget (lots!), and we are reminded.
Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Do not turn your back on me.
Do not reject your servant in anger.
You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
O God of my salvation!
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
- from psalm 27
Your grace is enough, remember your people, remember your children, remember your promise O God. Your grace is enough, I am covered in your love. Your grace is enough for me.
ReplyDeletei think i will go read some psalms now!
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