Psalm 71

This past Sunday in church, we read responsively Psalm 71. It says:

In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.
For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust,
O Lord, from my youth.
Upon you I have leaned from my birth;
it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.
I have been like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all day long.
Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
do not forsake me when my strength is spent.
For my enemies speak concerning me,
those who watch for my life consult together.
They say, “Pursue and seize that person whom God has forsaken,
for there is no one to deliver.”
O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

There are many lines from this psalm that ring true to me and I feel I know the anxiety and fear of this poet. The juxtaposition of praise and hope with desperate reservations about his safety and health, and injustice and cruelty in the world reminds me of the duality of feelings in my own heart. It is difficult to hold two such opposing sentiments in one's soul simultaneously. God begins to seem far away. So how do we find hope?

Our fellow knitter and friend, Barbara, is having a hard time with her chemotherapy treatments. I am amazed each time her loving husband sends an update email the strength of their faith that all will be well in spite of their fear. It reminds me of the psalmist giving praise, voicing his concerns, and asking for help. So here is my rendition -

Knitter of Life,
We praise you the gift that is Barbara.
She is our friend and sister who we love.
Thank you for her contributions to our knitting ministry
And for the blessings of her presence, voice and art.
Rescue her from the pain of chemotherapy
And heal her body so that her spirit may thrive.
We cry out, "Hurry, Lord, relieve her pain!"
She suffers so.
Do not forget her family and friends who support her.
Hold them up and do not falter for you are the rock
Upon whom we depend.
Be near to all of those who love her and all those affected
By cancer.
Make haste, and help us find a cure.
Amen