Psalm Reflection: The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Cycle C

“I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.” - Psalm 145

Are you a control freak? I am, and I think, to some degree, everyone is. 

We all have a certain way we like things to be, a certain way we see the world, and certain plans for the future. When those things change unexpectedly, we often react with anxiety, worry, doubt, fear, despair or even dread. Maybe you are like me and you start catastrophizing: expecting the worst possible outcome or fallout from this change in order to prepare yourself for it. 

When the pandemic hit, so much was outside of my control than ever before that I developed serious anxiety. In working through it, I had to really think through my own thoughts, and focus on the things I could control.

What is going on in your life right now? 

What do you wish was different? 

What steps to get there can you control?

What things do you need to let go of because you cannot do anything about them?

It has been a very freeing process, because none of my energy is wasted on worry anymore. If I can focus on what is in my control, what I can do right now, today, then my perspective becomes more clear and positive.

On a recent episode of a podcast I listen to, they used the phrase, “you cannot push a rope.” When things are in our control, it is like taking hold of a rope and pulling it toward you; you have a sense of control and purpose. But, have you ever tried to push a rope, especially something attached to one? It is not possible. No matter the angle we choose, there are some things we simply must let go of.

What do we do then?

When all else fails, we praise.

When we cannot push the rope, we praise.

When the solution, circumstances or situation in outside of our control, we praise.

Why? Because God is not bound by the laws of the universe. God can push the rope. We need to let go and then trust the One who can do all things, relying on Him to push the rope in whatever way He chooses because we know He will provide.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. - Matthew 6:25-34 (emphasis added)

This week, things will inevitably go wrong or not as planned. When they do, take a moment to check in with yourself, recognize how you might be losing your focus to worry or anxiety, and picture yourself trying to push it on a rope. Let go of the rope, and offer a prayer of praise and trust so you can focus instead on what you can control: 

God, you can do all things and I trust that you are doing something here. Help me to know the difference between what I can control and what I need to let go of, and help me entrust it all to your loving care. Amen.

I am praying for you this week, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt