Psalm 34:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Verse 2My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Verse 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Verse 4I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Verse 5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
Verse 6This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Verse 7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Verse 8O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
Devotion
Her only son had died at the hands of a drunken driver. For five years she grieved, angry with the drunk driver, with life and with the God who would let such a thing happen. One day, over a cup of coffee, she poured out her heart to me, the young pastor just out of seminary and “wet behind the ears.” She had not communed since her son’s death, because she believed her anger made her unworthy to go to the table.
What does one say that is not trite, insensitive or ignorant? I told her that it is precisely when one does not know where to turn or how to heal the hurt that one reaches out to receive God’s forgiveness and peace. God can handle your anger, if you choose to release it to God’s gracious hand.
As Martin Luther said on his deathbed, “We are all beggars, this is true.”
Prayer
Gracious God, I hand over to you my anger, my doubt, my fears and my pain. Grant me peace and deliverance for your Son’s sake. Amen.