The psalm reflects a people reaching out almost in desperation for some favor or comfort from their God. In many ways, this feels different to me from the majority of psalms that seem to focus on praise. While I may have had similar prayers at times, I believe the foundation for me is the faith that whatever happens I am not alone. I did not sense as much confidence in this plea especially the last part. That sense of knowing that no matter what, God is there in all ways manifested and that the outcome will truly be okay is a tremendous gift. That does not mean the outcome will always be what fits my plans but I know that whatever, I need to not worry and hand it over and believe. Having the grace and faith to keep accepting is one of the most important parts of my prayers. The gentle bonk on the head that I’m not in charge!! I will admit to being someone baffled by the gospel. Jesus’s relatives think he is out of his mind?! Of course, this would not include Mary and Joseph. Still, it was unnerving to think about those closest to Jesus, thinking he was not sane. Then I did imagine how some of his actions and ways would have seemed so strange to those around him. Without the grace of the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds, we, too, might consider this over the edge. Ah. . . faith does not mean we believe what we see and feel around us. It goes beyond what might make sense and allows our hearts and minds to accept and believe without seeing. There is a great line in the song, My Savior, My God, it bridges that gap between knowing in the traditional sense and KNOWING God: |