Monday, September 2 – Psalms 116,117
1. Reflect on a moment your soul found rest in God’s love and presence. (Psalm 116:7)
2. How do you respond to the curve balls of life? (Psalm 116:8-9)
What a day! It was a day full of people, many conversations, laughter, questions, and miracles; a touch cleaned a leper, a Centurion’s paralyzed servant would be mobile from the moment the centurion was sent home, and a disciple’s mother-in-law with a fever was brought back to health, to name a few. Wanting to get away a little from the multitude around him, Jesus commanded his disciples to go to the other side. Once on the boat, suddenly, a great storm began, and the disciples were afraid. However, Jesus was asleep. “He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Mat. 8:26-27, TNIV)
Like the disciples and me, I suspect you have had days going great, but things change suddenly. You get a flat tire, you forget your kids’ lunch, you don’t send an email, you don’t clock out, you don’t put deodorant on, you forget to pray; to more drastic circumstances, you are diagnosed with a terminal illness, your loved one has passed away, your child will need a kidney transplant, or you hear, “there is nothing else we can do.” We, too, are afraid and scared, angry and frustrated. Our world has been turned upside down, and we might sometimes lose faith. All these feelings are part of our humanity. Matthew reminds us that there is one who understands and knows what needs to be done. This is the Psalmist experience narrated in Psalms 116 and 117. Theologians summarize Psalm 116 in one word, “Thanksgiving,” and Psalm 117 as the organic response to the intervention of God, “Praise.” However, before we arrive at thanksgiving and praise, we must first recognize our need for help and divine intervention.
Admitting we need help is not easy, especially when what is happening to us isn’t our fault. Unfortunately, life throws curve balls at us; it is unfair at times. There are aspects of life over which we have no control. Faith is challenged and shaken in these moments, and doubt creeps in. Feelings and emotions that Jesus understands from personal experience; remember the garden of Gethsemane? But let me remind you that Jesus also knows from personal experience how to calm the wind and the waves. Let me remind you that you are not alone and that the creator of the universe, your creator, is by your side in the darkest moments of your life. You are not alone; God is with you.
The Psalmist begins chapter 116 by acknowledging his need and calling on the Lord, voicing his supplications. Here is someone who knew to whom he must go for help, as the disciples did when they sought Jesus’ help. The Psalmist writes, “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me!” (verses 3-4). Recognition, acknowledgment, and surrender are the keys to thanksgiving and praise. This is the Psalmist’s experience; he wants it to be yours and mine. He wants our souls to find rest amid the storm, refuge from the winds, and cover from lightning. When we find rest and feel protected and safe, our response will be thanksgiving and gratitude. We will then be committed and intentional in our worship of the one who has set us free. Committed to witness and testify, “For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 117:2, TNIV).
If you find yourself in the storm today, at this moment, find rest in knowing that you are heard, that you will not be alone, and that relief is on the way. May your heart be thankful, and your lips praise the name of God.