Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“But I call upon God,
and the Lord will save me. ”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, August 25, 2018
by Rev. Stefanie Fauth, Clergy Stuff
Whining to God
Sometimes, Christians like to pretend that having faith in Christ will make things perfect – and if things aren’t perfect, we should be grateful that God is “testing” us like this – essentially, if you are a Christian, you are not allowed to be unhappy.
This way of thinking couldn’t be further from the way that King David behaved in his faith life. The Psalms are a perfect example of the real relationship that we are allowed – even encouraged – to have with our God.
Should we spend all of our time whining? No.
But if things are going horribly – if you are grieving or experiencing loss, or just plain angry at the world – God is there to listen.
God does not test us with these trials – God is walking with us, though. God can handle your whining – probably better than your friends and family can.
Most importantly, know that no emotion is “off limits” for people of faith – Christians are allowed to feel however they feel. Christ understands, and still loves you!
Narrative Lectionary Daily Reading:
Psalm 55:16-23
But I call upon God,
and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I utter my complaint and moan,
and he will hear my voice.
He will redeem me unharmed
from the battle that I wage,
for many are arrayed against me.
God, who is enthroned from of old,
Selah
will hear, and will humble them—
because they do not change,
and do not fear God.
My companion laid hands on a friend
and violated a covenant with me
with speech smoother than butter,
but with a heart set on war;
with words that were softer than oil,
but in fact were drawn swords.
Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
But you, O God, will cast them down
into the lowest pit;
the bloodthirsty and treacherous
shall not live out half their days.
But I will trust in you.
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