Jenny's Psalm Reflections: Psalm 38 v.15

Today’s verse is Psalm 38 v.15

"IT IS FOR YOU, O LORD, THAT I WAIT; IT IS YOU, O LORD MY GOD, WHO WILL ANSWER.”

Background:

Psalm 38 is said to be a penitent sufferer’s plea for healing. It is a very dark Psalm and has been described as “all passion and no resurrection”. However, in the midst of this bleakness, there are the rousing words of verse 15 “It is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.”

When I had a long period of illness, I had many wonderful family members, friends and neighbours who cared for me and kept my spirits up. However, at the end of a visit they would leave and go on their way. Some of them changed holiday plans to see us and it was marvellous to see them, but there was always the recognition that I was in my body, and that only I could truly feel and understand what was going on. It is at times like these that we really have to lean on God.  He is in that dark place with us and truly understands it.

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 as well 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.

Be aware of your body. Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your feet on the floor; still being aware of them pressed firmly into the floor. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still.

4. Bring before God a deeply troubling situation you may be facing.

Read the words of verse 15 again slowly and listen to what your inner voice is saying.

5. Sit quietly and feel safe.

Hand over the situation to God and ask him for his support.

6. Finish with this prayer:

Almighty Lord and Saviour, behold with pity the wounds of your people; do not desert us, but for the sake of the passion of Jesus Christ, come quickly to our aid, for his mercy’s sake. Amen.