Power and Love
5For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. 8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. 9Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. 11Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord. For you repay to all according to their work.
Psalm 62:5-12 NRSV
This is the psalm appointed for Sunday, January 25. As you read it, I would expect that some line will jump out at you to encourage or exhort you. In light of my work at the women's shelter, the ending stuck out to me:
"power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to You, O Lord." (verses 11b-12a)
One of the things we talk about quite a bit with regards to domestic violence is power and control. (see The Duluth Model Power and Control Wheel for one model of how power and control are gained and maintained in an abusive relationship. No pressure.) At the center of an abusive relationship is the abusers desire/demand to control the other person through exerting power. It is an unhealthy, unholy way to relate.
With God, things are completely different. Power belongs to God. He is the All-Powerful One. But He doesn't use His power to control us, He uses His power for good - to bring about the Kingdom of God and redemption in our world, in our lives. Notice however, that power isn't the only thing that belongs to God.... so does steadfast love. He defines what love is. His love is a love that never fails and is always, always, always there. This love doesn't threaten or dominate. God's love comes to us humbly and in unexpected ways. In this season of Epiphany, we watch and listen as God's love for us is revealed in Jesus as He begins His public ministry to fulfill His mission - to be our salvation.
This week's Gospel (Mark 1:14-20) tells us of the significant connection Jesus made with Simon, Andrew, James, and John. We have no idea how many times, these men may have prayed the words of Psalm 62, how long they waited for God, or how hard it was for them to find their hope in Him yet now we get to watch as they are on the edge of joining Him in the most amazing journey ever! I'm drawn to the opening verses of our lectionary Psalm:5For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." (verses 5- 6)
Whatever your current situation, whatever your need, look to God to be your salvation. He will come to you - in the power and love that belong to Him - to meet you, to call you, to lead you.
Psalm 62:5-12 NRSV
This is the psalm appointed for Sunday, January 25. As you read it, I would expect that some line will jump out at you to encourage or exhort you. In light of my work at the women's shelter, the ending stuck out to me:
"power belongs to God, and steadfast love belongs to You, O Lord." (verses 11b-12a)
One of the things we talk about quite a bit with regards to domestic violence is power and control. (see The Duluth Model Power and Control Wheel for one model of how power and control are gained and maintained in an abusive relationship. No pressure.) At the center of an abusive relationship is the abusers desire/demand to control the other person through exerting power. It is an unhealthy, unholy way to relate.
With God, things are completely different. Power belongs to God. He is the All-Powerful One. But He doesn't use His power to control us, He uses His power for good - to bring about the Kingdom of God and redemption in our world, in our lives. Notice however, that power isn't the only thing that belongs to God.... so does steadfast love. He defines what love is. His love is a love that never fails and is always, always, always there. This love doesn't threaten or dominate. God's love comes to us humbly and in unexpected ways. In this season of Epiphany, we watch and listen as God's love for us is revealed in Jesus as He begins His public ministry to fulfill His mission - to be our salvation.
This week's Gospel (Mark 1:14-20) tells us of the significant connection Jesus made with Simon, Andrew, James, and John. We have no idea how many times, these men may have prayed the words of Psalm 62, how long they waited for God, or how hard it was for them to find their hope in Him yet now we get to watch as they are on the edge of joining Him in the most amazing journey ever! I'm drawn to the opening verses of our lectionary Psalm:5For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." (verses 5- 6)
Whatever your current situation, whatever your need, look to God to be your salvation. He will come to you - in the power and love that belong to Him - to meet you, to call you, to lead you.
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