Today's Scripture
Psalm 65
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed,
O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come.
When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.
You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.
Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy,
the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy. (NRSV)
Psalm 65 is a simple psalm, that is, it is simply clear and wonderful. It begins with praise (always a good idea), then briefly admits to humans’ transgressions, but rejoices that sins are forgiven. The reference is to God’s fulfillment of God’s covenanted promise to free the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. So, how is that concept applicable in the twenty-first century to Americans in the United States?
Admittedly, today, as in verse seven, we are far from a “stilling” of “turmoil of the nations.” But, verses 8–13 are expressions of joy, beauty, and abundance — almost a re-creation of Eden. Perhaps, to get away from the turmoil in our hearts and stomachs, we might go outside, find a spot of beauty — snow draped on evergreens, ice formations, brilliant blue skies, or an evening sunset, chirps of tiny birds, even a tiny shoot of green poking through the soil. And be reminded to offer praise and, simply, to be thankful.
Prayer
Wondrous God, when I’m focusing on strife and feeling blocked by turmoil, help me to look around and up at your enduring creation. Help me to remember that you listen, forgive, and provide. And help me feel your constancy and to convey that to others. Amen.
Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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