Psalm Reflection: The Fourth Sunday of Advent (Cycle B)

“For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” - Psalm 89

I am going to be honest.

I read this Psalm and let out a cynical laugh. I thought, “I have even not felt like smiling lately, what would I even sing about? Where is all of this goodness I am supposed to be singing about?!?”

And then it came: the laundry list of reminders of everything I had because of God’s infinite goodness - my life, a place to live, a job, a family, health, financial stability, friends, opportunities, and on and on and on. There are so many things I gloss over and do not thank God for. There are so many things that others do not have under normal circumstances, and especially not during a pandemic. 

However, as Christians we can often make the mistake in moments like this of explaining our way out of the negative things we experience, as if we should not be feeling that way in the first place because of all God has done for us. Look no further than the book of Psalms and you will see the prayers of those singing to God out of joy, but also out of distress, darkness, repentance, loneliness, loss, hopelessness, and sorrow. The Psalmists do not explain away the bad when they remember the good. Instead, they let the good things remind them of God’s faithfulness and that it does not disappear or stop working in the bad moments. 

I tend to have a very fatalistic way of looking at life. I expect and prepare for the worst-case scenario, or convince myself I am living the worst version of whatever problem presents itself in my life. I throw my hands up in the air and say “there is nothing I can do!” On the other hand, faith says the same thing “there is nothing I can do,” but soaks that statement in the trust that God has worked, is working and will continue to work for our greatest possible good, regardless of the circumstances. I recognize there is nothing I can do, so I give it to God who can do all things.

To top it off, that same God will not try to simply remove the negative things in my life. That would be too simple, robotic and transactional. Instead, He sits with us IN them, and shows us the way to new life, new hope and deeper trust THROUGH them. There is no way around this pandemic and the other problems or worries in your life. The only way is though, because through them is where our compassionate God meets us and inspires our yearning, wounded hearts to sing of His goodness.

This week, sing. Sing a song to God in the car, the shower, on a walk or with someone else. Even if you have a terrible voice, sing how you feel to the Lord, and let Him come join in your life’s chorus. 

Never forget that He is with you in this, and with you always. 

Do not lose hope. 

Do not give up. 

Sing.

I am praying for you and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt