Why are you cast down my soul?

Psalm 42 has some beautiful imagery. The thirsting soul who is like a deer wandering in the desert seeking water. The thundering river cataracts calling to the deep loneliness of the soul. The overwhelming feeling of despair and the cry for God who is the only rock where there is refuge in the midst of the emotional deluge.

The other lectionary passages for the day remind of reasons and solutiones for our loneliness: Genesis 3 tells of rebellion done for the seeking of pleasure and the inevitable blame game that follows. John 1 sends us a prophet to remind us we need to repent of our rebellion. Hebrews 2 reminds us that we hold a great mystery to whom we can turn when we do feel so alone.

Loneliness can be overwhelming. It can also be a reminder that God does not leave us alone. The Spirit is closer than we realize even when our souls are pierced.

When my soul is cast down, O Lord, remind me of Your Presence.

Today's Psalm - I am jealous

Psalm 73 brings us face to face with that most human of emotions - jealousy. The psalmist checked out all the rich people and found himself jealous of their status, comfort, and their apparent freedom from the worries of life that plague others. Why do they get away with having life so good? Why do the ones who have gotten their money by deceit seem to get away with it? He was all wrapped up in huge fit of jealousy until he went to the temple and then saw things in the right perspective. In just a moment, the blink of an eye, their ruin can come. And he also realized that despite his bitterness and anger with God over the state of things, God continued to lead him and guide him.

So I started making a mental list of all those folks that make me jealous and sadly I realized how long that list could get. It is so easy to get caught up in the why does he/she have it so good and I have it so lousy. But it is such a waste. God doesn't want to see us throw our emotional energy away on jealousy. We need to rejoice over what we have and enjoy the good things and particularly people that are part of our life.

And isn't it good news that the psalmist realized how close God was even when he was angry and bitter. As much as we might think we can push God away, God always, always stays close by. I am so glad, because there are days I don't live a very faithful life, but God still stays close and guides me. Amazing!

YOB - Where Is God When You Need Help?

October 8, 2009
Job 23:1-9, 16, 17

Job is having a bad day, week, month, year. Read the first couple of chapters of the book if you forgot the story. And he is angry. For good reason. His life has been beset by calamities not of his own doing. My mother likes to remind her children, life happens to everyone. Well life is certainly happening in a very harsh way to Job.

Some friends show up to comfort him, but they are no help. They tell him he must be a sinner. His wife tells him to curse God and die. Harsh! Harsh!

Job wants to know why God is allowing him to suffer. Good question Job! And Job can't seem to find God's presence anywhere either! Another good point. I think the book of Job is in the Bible because Job says all those things that we say/think when we suffer. God does seem far away at times. There are times when we don't think we are getting a fair shake in life. We want God to know and we want to hear an explanation from God.

I know there are folks who will tell you the Bible has all the answers you need. If they mean by that there is a simple formula waiting to solve all of life's woes, then I don't agree! The answers in the Bible are often the kinds of answers that Job received -- life is mystery and is often filled with pain. What God offers in those kinds of moments is presence and comfort and the strength to grow when life happens. The Bible's answers are honest and not simplistic or stupid.

And thankfully most of us can find much better friends that Job had. I have found some who stood by me when times were dark and helped me. I pray you can do the same when you have those Job like moments.