40
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 40, 54; PM Psalm 51; Exod. 34:18-35; 1 Thess. 3:1-13; Matt. 5:27-37
I tried to write this reflection last night, matching up the reiteration of the law in Exodus 34 with Jesus’ exposition of the law and its practical applications in Matthew 5. While there are ways to weave these two pieces of scripture together, today’s reflection will not be able to encompass that. I find my heart and creative energies leading me to grow in faithfulness within the prayers of Psalm 40, which begins:
I waited patiently upon the Lord; he stooped to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many shall see, and stand in awe, and put their trust in the Lord.
Happy are they who trust in the Lord! they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
As I re-read these words this morning, I hear them anew. I think about how I waited patiently on the side of the road yesterday, just able to pull out of traffic onto a quiet residential street before my radiator overheated. I turned off the car just as the warning light went on. A wide puff of steam billowed from underneath my car. And I said, “Oh no.” (I really don’t think I cussed…and if you know me, that is a miracle in itself!) God stooped to me and heard my cry.
I waited for my husband to come with coolant. I felt a surge of adrenaline and unrest in my gut as I sat, but I did not feel sucked into the mire and clay. It was a holy moment. Now, I did worry a little – but I was not deeply fearful. The psalmist says God made their footing sure upon that high cliff, above the chaos; my experience reflects a similar feeling of steadiness, with joy intact.
I believe that the Lord put a new song in my mouth – a song of wholeness and peace. Sam arrived in minutes. I felt gratitude for his presence and for the full-circle moment. You see, Sam and I met on a rural roadside in 2005 when my sister’s radiator exploded. That February afternoon began a chapter that changed both of our lives for the better, and I give thanks to God for that.
The psalmist observes that many will see and it will shape their lives…I cannot speak to exactly how many people observed my roadside quandary. (I imagine many were grateful they were not in a similar situation!) And yet, a dear friend saw us from the slow-moving traffic, calling from her window, “Katherine! Sam! Do you need help?” She took Robinson to his baseball game while we navigated handling my car. I called another friend who offered their extra vehicle in the meantime.
The psalmist exclaims, “Happy are they who trust in the Lord!” for they do not get sucked into negative and destructive thoughts and attitudes. While I was not happy about my stalled car, I choose to see my roadside delay as a space of practicing the mindset of blessing and gratitude. Faith in God brought me resilience to endure waiting (and waiting) for a tow truck. Faith in God brought me clarity of thought and kept me present in the now, rather than slipping into the lament of inconvenience and unknown expense. Faith in God kept me grateful for the timing of the radiator’s demise and for the kindness of Trevor who towed my car to the mechanic last night.
Faith in God does not keep us from experiencing disappointment. Faith in God can recenter our hearts and eyes so that challenges do not dislodge us from the foundation of love and goodness that connects to one another and to our Lord. When we walk in faith, we are more likely to act faithfully. I pray that you can rejoice in God this Friday, for you are loved and not alone; God is ever our helper and deliverer (v. 19).
Blessings in Eastertide,
Katherine+
Connections in Your Life
Did you know that U2 wrote a song based on Psalm 40? Take a listen to their reflection on this ancient psalm from a 1983 concert at Red Rocks.
How does Psalm 40 resonate with your life today?