Today’s scripture: Psalm 119:145-176 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Bradley Compton):
At the risk of employing syncretism (i.e., in this case, blending Buddhist practices and Western psychology derived therefrom with Christianity), I can’t help but notice that this portion of David’s 119th Psalm describes a kind of round-the-clock “mindfulness” — intentional, reactionless observation of one’s life and environment and, in this respect, God’s role in it. However, it isn’t an altogether peaceful mindfulness, but rather an obsessive/compulsive focus on God — listening and looking for some sign that God will reaffirm certain promises made to the faithful. I know this assessment of David sounds judgmental (to be fair, David’s being a bit judgmental himself in these verses regarding his enemies), but his mindfulness in this instance is probably one of the healthiest kinds. In fact, it seems safe to say that, at least within the context of daily life, even if the purest idealistic mindfulness is possible, it serves little purpose. Why would anyone who attains pure enlightenment do anything but watch with detachment the drama of God’s plan unfold? Fortunately we have documentation of what perfect mindfulness looks like in Christ Jesus. Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness, withstood temptations of the adversary, condemned hypocrisy, wept over the death of a friend, and cried out to God in the silent darkness while on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?”
How mindful are you in your daily life right now? Are you so entangled in regret from the past and in fear of the future that the quiet turn of each hour wakes you in the night? Are you up before dawn calling out for help in prayer? If not, be grateful for your equanimity; if so, be grateful for your mindfulness and take comfort that you are not alone. David’s psalm presents a great prayer template for those of us of this disposition. I must confess that rather than living mindfully through prayer and meditation like I have in the past, I spend most of each day shielding myself from the chatter and buzzing and shrieking both inside and all around me. I recognize this in brief moments when there is little time to address it, but it’s particularly unsettling when I’ve run out of distractions and have no choice but to face it. Nevertheless, I have faith that despite those of us whose willpower fails us in this manner, the Good Shepherd’s staff will eventually draw us back in again.
Thought for the day: God, I have faith that living mindfully in your word is crucial to the fulfillment of your will for my life. Draw me back into it when I drift away — gently if you can, sternly if you must.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.