February 25, 2025
February 25, 2025
This semester, I am taking a class on the Psalms, which has been one of my favorites at the seminary.
We have been talking about different themes and emotions throughout the Psalms and discussed what it means for the context and the listener.
Martin Luther called the Psalms “a little Bible,” which seems fitting. There is an arrangement of feelings and experiences between the psalmist and God, with a theme of trusting God through everything.
Each week, I have been wondering how we can continue using them throughout our worship and devotions. Where can we explore what we feel about faith in their words? How can I faithfully use these in my leadership and care for people in the future?
This week, we talked about anger and focused on Psalm 39. I ask that you read it and ponder its words. Where do you connect to its words?
The verse I am struck by each time I read it is verse 4:
“Lord, let me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.”
The psalmist is sharing the hardships of the struggles they are experiencing right now...they want to know when this pain and suffering will end.
I think we can all relate to that in some way. I have talked with many of you about the pain and confusion, whether in the world or in your personal lives, you are experiencing right now and just wanting it to end. The pain can feel overwhelming and too much to bear. I have pondered that, too.
I have asked God the same questions at different points in my faith journey, not knowing where God is or where life is going... and it is hard to follow sometimes.
We are entering into the season of Lent next week. It is a season of contemplation, fasting, and trusting God to provide for us. Maybe it is time to be honest with God in our pain and anger, trusting that God is hearing it. God does hear it and can be with us in every moment, even when we do not know where we are going or the ending.
God is with us.
Vicar Jennie
This semester, I am taking a class on the Psalms, which has been one of my favorites at the seminary.
We have been talking about different themes and emotions throughout the Psalms and discussed what it means for the context and the listener.
Martin Luther called the Psalms “a little Bible,” which seems fitting. There is an arrangement of feelings and experiences between the psalmist and God, with a theme of trusting God through everything.
Each week, I have been wondering how we can continue using them throughout our worship and devotions. Where can we explore what we feel about faith in their words? How can I faithfully use these in my leadership and care for people in the future?
This week, we talked about anger and focused on Psalm 39. I ask that you read it and ponder its words. Where do you connect to its words?
The verse I am struck by each time I read it is verse 4:
“Lord, let me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.”
The psalmist is sharing the hardships of the struggles they are experiencing right now...they want to know when this pain and suffering will end.
I think we can all relate to that in some way. I have talked with many of you about the pain and confusion, whether in the world or in your personal lives, you are experiencing right now and just wanting it to end. The pain can feel overwhelming and too much to bear. I have pondered that, too.
I have asked God the same questions at different points in my faith journey, not knowing where God is or where life is going... and it is hard to follow sometimes.
We are entering into the season of Lent next week. It is a season of contemplation, fasting, and trusting God to provide for us. Maybe it is time to be honest with God in our pain and anger, trusting that God is hearing it. God does hear it and can be with us in every moment, even when we do not know where we are going or the ending.
God is with us.
Vicar Jennie