You refreshed the land when it was weary. Your people dwell there, O God, you have made provision for the poor. Psalm 68:9, 10 In the selection for this Sunday -- the first ten and last four verses of the long song -- David draws this conclusion from the evidence of "when you marched forth … Continue reading Psalm 68, 24 May 2020
Tag: refuge
Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 31 is firmly anchored in Holy Week and Easter in all three years of the Lectionary. However, another segment appears again here in May. The lengthy poem, including words quoted in Jesus' darkest hours on the cross, alternates between trust, sorrow, grief and hopeful praise. The short extract this week reflects some of the … Continue reading Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the ‘light of the world’ (John 8:12) and ‘light upon my path’ (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: “God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
Psalm 118, 25 March 18
This psalm of thanks opens and closes with resounding acclamations of divine love and mercy that endure forever. In between are statements about trusting in God rather than in rulers (8), relief at delivery from evil and opposition (5, 10) access to goodness (19) and causes for rejoicing. Each year when this psalm arises on … Continue reading Psalm 118, 25 March 18
Psalm 62, 21 Jan ’18
The first four verses of the lectionary reading (5-12) sketch a divine presence that is strong, constant, and a safe refuge. David invites us to wait with him in silence, trusting in this 'stronghold'. Verses 5 and 6 repeat the first two verses of the psalm, and are therefore an integral antiphon within the poem. … Continue reading Psalm 62, 21 Jan ’18
Psalm 68, 28 May 17
In the ‘bookends’ at beginning and end of this long psalm, the psalmist calls for the great kingdoms of the earth, their flags proudly flying in the national capitals of the world, to recognise the divine supremacy of ‘the rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens’ and invites us to lift songs of thanks and praise. Between … Continue reading Psalm 68, 28 May 17
Psalm 66, 21 May 17
This psalm is a cry of joy for divine guidance and deliverance. Come and hear, you who fear our maker, as I tell how God rescued my soul. I cried to God and was answered; God’s praise is ever on my lips (vv. 8, 9) The psalmist feels that he has been pulled through the … Continue reading Psalm 66, 21 May 17
Psalm 31, 14 May 17
This psalm, combining many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity, appeared in the Lectionary just last month. It was discussed in a post for Palm Sunday, a summary of which follows. This is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and security together with a sense of danger, sorrow and dismay. Enduring all … Continue reading Psalm 31, 14 May 17
Psalm 16, 23 Apr 17
Like the twenty-third, this is a psalm of trust and protection in divine presence, the source of goodness and guidance. David describes God as his portion and cup, evoking familiar imagery in themes that connect well with daily life. Less familiar but interesting are some other phrases that might easily pass unnoticed in a quick reading. First, in verse 6: "The … Continue reading Psalm 16, 23 Apr 17
Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
The Lectionary readings for Holy Week and Easter include this psalm. You may have noticed that there are two psalms listed for Palm Sunday, the liturgies of the palms and that of the passion. This psalm combines many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity. It is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and … Continue reading Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
Psalms in the South 