Listen

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 146:5-10

Think

When composing music, many people insert notes that are part of an upcoming harmony into a musical phrase where they sound harsh and discordant. As the music progresses, the temporary unpleasantness is relieved as dissonant notes become part of a pleasing harmony. Playing the notes just a little too soon makes the present moment uncomfortable.

Christian life can be like this. We desire to see justice, to stand up for the bullied, the marginalized, and the outcast. These hopes conflict with the world around us, creating tension and discomfort. In the midst of this discomfort, the psalmist reminds us that God is forever faithful and that this vision of justice and renewal is the one that will last. Even though it creates tension now, living out these hopes helps us to sing in harmony with the kingdom of heaven when it comes in fullness.

Phillip Fackler

Pray

Faithful God, help me to hold on to your passion for justice and wholeness even in the midst of discomfort and conflict. Thank you for strengthening and upholding me as I try to live faithfully. Amen.

Go

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever.

Psalm 146:5-6