Palm Sunday, April 13 Psalm 56:3-4
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 mere mortals do to me?
THE GIFT OF FEELINGS
When I learned that this year`s theme for our Lenten devotions is “Be Not Afraid,” I paused. I thought about the angels greeting the shepherds when announcing the birth of the Christ child. Of course, they were afraid when strange beings appeared in the sky.
Fear is an important emotion. Fear alerts us to danger and prepares us to respond accordingly. Our respiration increases, our hearts pound faster, and we become vigilant or more aware of our surroundings. Our bodies remember how to flee when stalked as prey or in another type of danger. I don`t like feeling frightened or scared; consequently, I avoid situations that endanger me.
Listening to our feelings is important. Our emotions help us know ourselves. Experiencing feelings is an important part of the gift of being human. I love reading the Psalms because the writers honestly express their feelings. The first verse of Psalm 56 says “Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me; all day long foes oppress me.”
The psalmists express feelings vociferously, but they don`t stop there. Their next step is to turn toward God, remember God`s faithfulness, and celebrate their identity as a child of God. This psalmist responds to fear by placing their trust in God. (Psalm 56:9b-13)
“This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid.
What can a mere mortal do to me?
My vows to you I must perform, O God;
I will render thank offerings to you.
For you have delivered my soul from death
and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life.”
Thank you God for all my feelings. Help me know them and, as I experience my feelings, let me turn to you. Always remember that I am your beloved child. Teach me to walk in your way. Amen
Deacon Joanne Hickey
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