Jenny's Psalm Reflections: 53 verse 2a

Today’s verse is Psalm 53 verse 2a

“God looks down from heaven on humankind.”

Background:

The first half of Psalm 53 verse 2 reminds us that God is always with us even when times are bleak. The Psalmist is looking around and thinking that the world is full of corruption and where can God be in all this? It is a reflective Psalm although quite a bitter one in tone.  There are many things that could disturb us at the moment, and it was undoubtedly the same in David’s day. Nevertheless,  with our fast media and links all over the world, sometimes the volume and numbers of catastrophes seem overwhelming. Instant access to news can certainly lead to a sense of chaos in which there is no loving God overlooking us.

When we worry, we should read this Psalm and, like the Psalmist, come to the realisation that we are in God’s presence indeed.  He is concerned for us and is not detached from our destiny. We should remain strong in our faith and know that God will put things right, in his own time, and all people will rejoice. 

Meditation

1. Find Something to focus on 

Think of an issue you are struggling with where it feels as though God is absent.

2. FIND A QUIET PLACE. 

Make sure that you are in a quiet place. Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. Start your reflection with hands cupped open ready to be open to God’s presence.

3. Focus on your breathing.

Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.

4. Be aware of your body.

Be aware of your body. Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your hands in your lap; you don’t need to be doing anything with them now. Rest your feet on the floor; you don’t need to go anywhere. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still…

5. Say the verses aloud to yourself.

Say the first part of verse 2 to yourself and bring your worries to God. Place them “in your cupped hands.”

6. Release all worries and anxieties.

Close the prayer with your hands now turned over the other way as you release your worry, and finish with the prayer below.

7. Finish with this prayer:

Faithful and steadfast God, we need to know you are there for us at times when we struggle and the world seems devoid of a loving God. Keep our hearts and minds seeking and learning, knowing that you walk alongside us, and, at the last, we will rejoice in the heavenly Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.