Jenny's Psalm Reflections: Psalm 2 v.1 & 12

This week’s verses are Psalm 2 v.1 & 12

‘Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?... Happy are all who take refuge in Him”

Background:

In the second Psalm, the nations are still conspiring and plotting against the peaceful way of the Lord. This is much like what we see today! We never learn do we? Even in the midst of a pandemic, wars still rage on, often forgotten and in different parts of the world. However, those in power should not make God angry but rather should come together and take refuge in God. I think during COVID, we have realised what is important, community, friendship, the little things. And in this Psalm, God’s wants all people to act as His people, as a unified nation. Isaiah in chapters 40-55 considers the whole world as part of God’s saving plan. Jesus was into breaking boundaries and connecting with those on the margins. In due course the Acts of the Apostles would develop the gospel into a message of hope for many different peoples and languages and cultures. That’s what we do as the Church continues today. There should be no barriers. This language of universalism would have been very striking to its ancient readers but is not such an unusual concept for us today, even if we don’t always implement it!

As we pray this week’s verses, it is indeed great comfort that we’re joining with all who have ever said or sung these words before us, and asked similar questions to ourselves. 

Meditation

1. Find a quiet place.

Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. 

2. 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.

3. 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…

4. Say the verses aloud. 

Say the verses aloud to yourself and don’t try to analyse it. Read it again slowly, listening.

5. Take time to become still...

Sit quietly and see whether anything about it strikes you as important for you. Tell God what it is. Ask God for what you need. Make a note of anything you want to remember.

6. Pray 

Most high and holy God, lift our eyes to your Son enthroned on Calvary; and as we behold his meekness, shatter our earthly pride; for he is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.