.

Before Sunday

Pentecost XV

Psalm 116

Isaiah 50:4-9

James 2:1-18

Mark 8:27-38

I believed, even when I spoke,

“I am greatly afflicted”;

I said in my alarm,

“All mankind are liars.”

What shall I render to the Lord

For all his benefits to me?

I will lift up the horn of salvation

And call on the name of the Lord,

I will pay my vows to the Lord

In the presence of all his people. (Psalm 116:10-14)

When in college, a co-ed friend of mine wrote a careful letter to a young man who pursued her affection. She wanted to quote him a comforting text of Scripture, but actually failed to give the proper text. She wanted to quote Psalm 116:7 (“Return, O my soul, to your rest…”), but instead cited Psalm 116:11. She didn’t give the text… just the citation. You can imagine the heartache when the young man read, “… all mankind are liars!”

In our distress, we sometimes make sweeping claims, just like the psalmist. We get hurt, bruised, and our perspective gets out of whack. We begin to believe “all mankind are liars”. What is the remedy to such depression and distorted vision?

The psalmist remembered the goodness of the Lord. He recalled all of his “benefits.” (Verse 12) The remainder of the text quoted above describes attendance at temple worship. Lifting up the “horn of salvation”, “calling upon the name of the Lord”, paying one’s “vows to the Lord” and all “in the presence of all his people” constitute the great elements of Hebrew worship.

When times are tough and we are feeling down, the temptation is to stay away from church, to avoid the smiling greetings and questions of “how are you?” But the psalmist knew better. He knew the discipline of worship was a salve to his wounded heart. He understood that recalling the Lord’s benefits in the context of praise and thanksgiving would be an investment in his ultimate recovery.

Worship gives us perspective and context. It helps place our worries, fears, and griefs right where they belong – on the altar of God. – Marc Robertson

A Prayer –

Heavenly Father, when my heart is overwhelmed and my grief increases, grant unto me an added measure of your love and grace. May I hear Your call to come to Your house and gather with Your people for worship; and in that worship may I find Your comfort, guidance, and encouragement. Amen.