“A poem of trust”

By Rev. MIchael Stonhouse

Meditation – Monday, July 31, 2023

Psalm 56 (Forward, p. 94) CEV p. 587

Elsewhere in the psalms—in Psalm 139—our psalmist relates how God is ever present to us, both in terms of a physical presence and in terms of His knowledge and understanding of us. Here, in today’s psalm, is something that I would consider to be even more precious to those who know and love God, namely His infinite and absolutely sensitive care for us. This is summed up in a couple of statements:

“You have kept record of my days of wandering” (verse 8a);

“You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each one of them” (verse 8b);

In that first statement, David reiterates that God is fully aware of his frenzied, perilous and often close to disastrous stratagems to escape Saul’s relentless pursuit, and furthermore, has actually kept track of them. In other words, they ‘matter’ to God. And so it is with all of our struggles as well. They matter to God.

And in the second statement, David speaks of his anguish, his tears of sorrow and fear, and how once again, God is aware of them—and actually treasures them and counts them. This is a very vivid and homey image—one, that by human standards, is quite impossible. Here I am reminded of what Jesus said, namely that the very hairs of our head are counted (see Luke 12:7). That is how precious, valued and loved we are with God.

And, what does all this mean to David—in practical terms? It means that he will be unwavering in his trust towards God, yes, even when he is afraid. He is quite certain that God is with him and will help him. He is quite certain that no one can harm him if God is there at his side. And he knows this from experience: God has protected him from death in the past and kept him from stumbling, so he is quite sure that this will happen again. And, in like manner, so too can we, you and I, trust God to be with us and help us in whatever trials and struggles might beset us. Amen.

Forward notes: “I am bound by the vow I made to you, O God; I will present to you thank-offerings” (verse 11).

“I am always moved by the way children express their love, faithfulness, and thanksgiving to God. Two examples that come to mind are the witnesses of Vero and Juanca.

“When Vero was two years old, she approached the priest on Maundy Thursday and asked for communion, saying, ‘I want the body of Christ.’ Her parents had planned to wait until she received a formal first communion, but she noticed that the eucharist was something special and she wanted to be part of it. Now at seven years, she pays attention to everything that happens during mass and often makes drawings that relate to the church.

“And then there is Juanca. At age four, he told me: ‘Maestra, I want to sell my toys and offer the money to God.’ I hugged him and told him that was not necessary. ‘God sees the goodness of your heart,’ I said, ‘and that offering is sufficient.’”

Moving Forward: “List three things you are grateful for today. Say a prayer of thanksgiving.”