Category Archives: Psalms

A time of distress

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James Moriarty
Fig Tree in Spring, 2005

Everyone I talk to has something difficult to bear: the death of someone dear to them, grave illness in the family, loss of income, oppressive work conditions, the lessening of physical abilities, coping with addiction.

Add to that rampant anti-Semitism, racism, prejudice, selfishness, greed, and indifference to the poor, homeless, refugees, and immigrants—and the world seems unsafe, unloving, and ready to implode.

It is a time of terrible grief where anger, blame, and depression dominate.

Today I will be a part of God’s vision of love and compassion. I will offer comfort and kindness to everyone I meet because I know we are all grieving something.

I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Psalm 16:8

In the moment

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Harry Fenn (1845-1911)
Caesarea Philippi (Banias)
Watercolor, gouache, brown ink, and graphite on light brown wove paper
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Even the low times contain a stillpoint of joy. The Lord is right there in the moment. I do not walk alone.

Gracious is the Lord and just;
yes, our God is merciful.
The Lord keeps the little ones;
I was brought low, and he saved me.
Psalm 116:5-6

A morsel of mercy

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Amish farm field, wheat up in shocks
By Nyttend (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Today I feel the need for a light touch, a dash of comfort, a grain of healing. If I am feeling this way, perhaps others are too. May I be graced with the goodness to offer compassion to each member of our human family.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness. Psalm 51:3

God so loved the world

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Carl Wilhelm Friedrich Oesterley (1805–1891)
Israel Mourns Near the Waters of Babylon

Despite the pain, suffering, and grief that may be today’s burden, let me not forget to give thanks for the gifts of family, friends, and unexpected kindnesses.

By the streams of Babylon
we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.
On the aspens of that land
we hung up our harps. Psalm 137:1-2