For he remembered that they were but flesh, * a breath that goes forth and does not return (Ps 78:39)
Sunday's sermon discussion was God’s People trying to figure out how to be faithful. It was a blessing to be part of that.
“We need to empathize”
“Write our representatives and ask them to support programs that will serve people on all sides, maybe infrastructure.”
“I’m still so angry”
At Morning Prayer today was the first part of Psalm 78. The writer understands that God is still angry. He has done “wonderful works.” He “worked marvels— “split open the sea and let them pass through”, “gave them drink as from the great deep”, “gave them grain from heaven.” And even though God had done all this “Their heart was not steadfast toward him.”
You see. God “gets” our anger. God “gets” our frustration with those who are so misguided.
But in the end God “get’s this – “For he remembered that they were but flesh, * a breath that goes forth and does not return” (Ps 78:39)
And God doubles down on it --
and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
We are drawn to the solutions of our politics and self-help books. None of it bad stuff in itself. Sometimes helpful stuff.
It’s not in our control to get those we disagree with to see it our way. It’s not in our power to get them to apologize. It’s not in our power to have government be as we want it to be without consideration for them. Our journey through this life includes them. How annoying!
It is in our power to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. It is in our power to move our minds from our frustration and anger, from our assumptions of control and power, to another place. To God’s pathways of grace.
The mercy of the Lord is everlasting:
Come let us adore him.
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