No Peace
AM Psalm 55 • PM Psalm 138, 139:1-17(18-23)
Isa. 51:1-8 • Gal. 3:23-29 • Mark 7:1-23
In the morning I read Psalm 55.
I have no peace because of my cares.
I agree with the Psalmist. My anxiety level is higher than I like.
I am shaken by the noise...
My heart quakes within me…
Fear and trembling have come over me…
Perhaps it’s not quite that bad. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that “horror overwhelms me,” right now. But it is NOT well with my soul these days.
I feel like I have already flown away with the wings of a dove. I am removed from immediate danger. I am in a far away place. My corner of the world is far from the noise and fury.
But…
I have seen the violence and strife in the city.
There are no watchmen upon the walls where I live, but there are screens. So many screens, in so many sizes that broadcast the images caught on camera and the butter-soft speeches and the oily words that are drawn swords. The screens spread “the trouble and misery” of the city. The screens never tire of showing us city streets “that are never free of oppression and deceit.”
I look at them. I see what they show me.
So, of course, the 18th verse speaks directly to my heart:
In the evening, in the morning, and at noonday,
I will complain and lament,
and God will hear my voice.
God hears my voice, alright. God knows all about my complaining. I complain about those wicked, unchanging, bloodthirsty, and deceitful enemies of mine morning, noon and night. God knows I lament because I can’t look away. I just keep taking it in.
At the end of Psalm 55 I read:
Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you;
God will never let the righteous stumble.
It rings hollow to my downcast, complaining self. It’s no wonder I have no peace.
THANK GOD we’ve got Psalm 138 and 139 to read today, as well.
Seriously.
Written by Troy Schremmer
Troy works with preschool age children as an enrichment teacher in music and movement. He and his wife Jonny (who teaches older children) are both still at work in the classroom everyday. Many thanks for all the prayers for our family (and students and co-workers). Peace.