Today’s scripture: Psalm 79 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
When I first saw that Psalm 79 was my assigned passage, I wondered why this particular psalm was picked for a devotional. I think of devotionals as being uplifting and encouraging; and it’s hard to get there when your passage is vindictive and angry. Asaph is angry at God for allowing invaders to take over Jerusalem, and he wants God to know it. Not only that, but he wants to know why he and the other Israelites were suffering so badly when the pagans down the street appear to be enjoying life. The Message states a part of his rant this way, “If you [God] are going to be angry, be angry with the pagans who care nothing about you, or your rival kingdoms who ignore you.”
That’s right, God, if someone has to lose their job, have a ruined relationship, get sick, lose a loved one, and/or meet with some other catastrophe, let it be those people who don’t worship you (the way I worship you is implied). Help us, and harm them.
This attitude may have been fine for the Israelites. They were a primitive people who believed that when bad things happened, God was angry with them. They did not know the teachings of Jesus: “You have heard that it was said love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; that you may be children of God in heaven.”
This vindictive attitude will not do for us today. But there are lessons that can be learned from this psalm. The first would be to pray to God even when you’re angry, even when you’re angry with God. God knows you’re angry any way. It will help release the anger and you can then move on to the next lesson.
Next, when you’re done venting, give God the praise. Even in the midst of all you’re going through, God is still God. God is still with you, loving you, and being your source of strength. So be angry with God, but get over it quickly and praise God for being with you.
Prayer for the day: God, I might get angry with you and wonder why I have to struggle, but I still trust you. I still love you and I know that you still love me. Amen
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.