Psalms for Today ~ Be Still

 

Read Psalms 46-48

 

Psalm 46 opens with a power, profound statement, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Notice the writer didn’t say, “God will make sure you never suffer or struggle or have strain in your life.”  The writer didn’t say, “God guarantees all life is chocolate rivers and pony rides and steak knives for $19.95”.  Just as in Genesis 1, creation and chaos are in collaboration, cahoots, and even conflict together, today trouble and refuge can co-exist in a multiplicity of ways.  Keep reading the Psalm, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam (this echoes Genesis 1 and creation) and the mountains quake with their surging.”  The juxtaposition of pain and possibility may not fit neatly with our either/or way of viewing the world.  Psalm 46 holds loosely, lightly, both heartbreak and hearts strangely warmed.  Diverse emotions are all thrown and tossed together like a salad.  Keep reading Psalm 46, “There is a river (which in Genesis 1 is a symbol for chaos, but watch what the Psalmist does) whose streams make glad the city of God.”  Where is there tension in your life that you are tempted to classify or compartmentalize as utterly awful or amazing awesome?  An example, I was recently in two minor accidents.  I was not hurt; the damage didn’t stop my car from being useable but definitely needed to be fixed.  I could say this was the worst thing ever or I could give thanks that everyone in our family is okay.  I could lament about having to deal with the insurance company or be somewhat amazed that I could schedule the repair soon.  Perhaps, the Psalmist is teaching and telling us that life is not black and white judgements (although this is most of what we consume and is consuming our thoughts in the media).  Hold the tensions, not as a problem which can be resolved or mystery to be solved, but holy truths about life.  How do we do this?  See verse 10, “Be still and know that I am God.”  That is the invitation for you to be still ~ stop ~ cease ~ simply be.  The imperative of this invitation is for you and me and we to embody that right now in the beautiful imperfection of this moment.  Be still, breathe, lean in and listen to the unfinished symphony of life I spoke of in the sermon yesterday.  Take as long as you need, as long as your shy soul asks.  And after you do this, read Psalm 47 about praising God!  Shouting and singing thanks to God.  Where is gratitude growing in the soil of your soul?  This could be surprisingly simple ~ cup of coffee, friends, time to breathe and be.  Keep reading Psalm 48 where the Hebrew hymn writer says, “Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.”  That is what it means to be still ~ to be embraced in the eternal affection and affirmation of God ~ to be with God in whose image you are being created still today.  May this truth infuse and inspire your living today.  Amen.