15 September Revd Andy Chislett-McDonald

Regaining perspective. Psalm 42:1-6

"As a deer longs for flowing streams,
    so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and behold
    the face of God?
My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me continually,
    “Where is your God?"

These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I went with the throng,
and led them in procession to the house of God,
with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,
a multitude keeping festival.
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God."

Reflection.  When feeling down and God seems far away have you done as the Psalmist does? The psalmist has let people get to him with taunts, "Where is your God?"  And then the psalmist calls to mind good times with God. Good times in worship with other faithful festival go-ers - a multitude. He knows that God was real to him then and that he does not need to be down hearted in his soul. The writer chooses to hope, to hope in God. He will know the help of God again and praises will return.

This day, whether you feel downcast or whether you feel as happy and content as can be, this day give yourself over to hopefulness. Give yourself the delight of calling to mind the best of times with Jesus and his people. And praise again!
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Prayer. Lord Jesus, may we know the blessedness of your presence with us. Amen.