Is there justice? Psalm 56

Hi friends,

One of the passages in today’s liturgical readings is Psalm 56, which nourished my soul.

I love how it starts:

Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me;
all day long foes oppress me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many fight against me.

O Most High, when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid;
what can flesh do to me? (CSB)

It’s an inspiring attitude of honest faith:

  1. My life is very difficult
  2. But I’m not afraid, because God will take care of me

But the real kicker? For me, it’s the final stanza:

I am obligated by vows to you, God;
I will make my thanksgiving sacrifices to you.
For you rescued me from death,
even my feet from stumbling,
to walk before God in the light of life. (CSB)

The psalmist sees their entire lives as consecrated to God. They know that God has already rescued them from death, and they are walking with God in the light of life.

So what can our mortal enemies do to us? They can intimidate, use violence, cause harm, even kill us.

But… in the end? How can mere humans oppose the good will of God for us? In the long run, their evil is a joke.

As I read this, I’m grateful for a fellow worshipper who brought these tensions together: God, I need you to notice every one of my tears. And God, I know this very real oppression has an expiration date. I’m counting on you.

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