Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Wednesday October 22, 2014  

Psalm 38

The psalm we read today, Psalm 38, reflects a difficult theological concept – that of sin and its effect on humans, and, specifically, the human body.  It’s obvious that the common understanding in the times when this psalm was written and/or sung, was that our sinfulness, that is, our separation from God and from neighbour, was manifested in our body.

Our immediate conclusion, if we were to subscribe to this understanding today, was that the writer of the psalm was a very sinful person.  Note the afflictions that are listed: they go on and on, and cover every inch of the body, and the mind as well.

After listing the afflictions, the author acknowledges briefly in verse 9 that God is aware of these afflictions.  Then follow further fears and concerns – that friends desert, that enemies taunt and accuse.

But, in spite of the pain and anguish the writer feels, there is hope: “It is for you, O Lord, that I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.”

And while we may not subscribe to the belief that our sinfulness results in physical ailment, and even more, that this is God’s way of punishing our sinfulness, yet a case can be made in today’s medical community that physical, emotional, and spiritual health are all very intricately interdependent.

So we learn from the author of Psalm 38 that God is present with us in these times of deep pain that we experience, not as a cruel and punishing parent, but as a loving and caring friend.  God stands with us, shares our pain, and brings us through the valley of our personal darkness into a new and gentle and soothing light.  Thanks be to God.

- Reverend Paul Kett