Hard Times in the Psalms

Jesus had just foreshadowed the Last Supper, the Holy Eucharist.  To follow him, he had said, we must eat his flesh and drink his blood (John 6:53-68). Those who were listening were “offended,” the scripture says. This was a hard teaching. After that time, many of the followers turned back and did not go with Jesus any longer. 

So Jesus looked at the 12 and asked them, “Do you want to go away also?” But Peter stepped up and spoke the words we cling to today: “Where else would we go, Lord? You [alone] have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Where else are we going to go in this tough time? Where else but to God? Who else – what else – are we going to trust?

With the psalmist we say:
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust” (25: 1-2). 

In our distress, we petition God: 
Make your ways known to me;
Lead me in your truth;
Teach me your paths;
Don’t deal with me according to my sins;
Relieve the troubles of my heart
Be gracious to us. (from Psalm 25)

David knew hard times, some of which he brought on himself, some that came with the territory of being anointed by God. The great king did not escape the trials of being mortal. But always the psalmist knew where to turn – 
“My refuge and my fortress; 
my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2).

This week, when we can’t do anything else, or even if we can, read and pray with the psalmist and our ancestors in the faith, meditating on Psalm 25 and Psalm 91.

May God hold us all in God’s mighty hands. Be blessed, and bless others along the way.