God Pause for Tuesday, 8/19/2014
/Luther Seminary God Pause
Tuesday, 8/19/2014 Reading: Psalm 138
My husband usually rolls his eyes when I talk about something on Facebook. And to be honest, many days he is right to be skeptical. But this morning on Facebook I read this:
"God is working things out for you, even when you don't feel it. Have faith and be thankful."
I thought this was a beautiful summary of the psalm for today. In Psalm 138, the psalmist so eloquently captures the work of God strengthening the soul, speaking powerful words, regarding the lowly, preserving and delivering. Then at the very last almost as an afterthought the psalmist reminds God not to forsake the work of his hands. Hey, God, don't forget me!
The plea may seem a bit bold. But it is a reminder to God like the Facebook quote that rests on God's promises; it longs for God to keep working. And in the meantime, our job is to have faith and be thankful.
O Lord, with my whole heart, I ask you to keep working for me. Do not forsake me--I am the work of your hands. I give thanks and praise to you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Grant me patience to wait for you. Amen.
Sarah Raymond Pastor, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, N.D. Master of Divinity, 2013
Psalm 138 (NRSV)
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything. 3 On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth. 5 They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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