Psalm 13

On Sunday in my All Saints sermon I said, “God, on earth in human form, weeps for his friend.  God is not unmoved by death and suffering in this world”. Theologian and activist Carlos A. Rodriguez, takes it one step further. Not only does God weeping show us the humanity of God, it also allows us to see ourselves as made in the image of God, even in our moments of grief and sorrow. 

We can have hope in the resurrection and feel our feelings, these are not mutually exclusive actions. Consider the 13th Psalm:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?

    How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul,

    and have sorrow in my heart all day long?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!

    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,

and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”;

    my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

But I trusted in your steadfast love;

    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

    because [the Lord] has dealt bountifully with me.

The psalmist is simultaneously longing for the presence of the Lord, and singing praise to the Lord. We are complex creatures, in a complex world, able to carry complex emotions, and God has walked this earth and understands our struggle. God has given us faith communities to walk alongside us as we navigate this life, and has promised to be with us in eternal life. 

Gracious God, draw near to us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit as we navigate the complexities of our world. Remind us of your love and remind us we are never alone, in Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

By Intern Pr. Jon