God Disturbers

Psalm 55

Our peace seems always precarious – both in the world and within. What is particularly troubling to the Psalmist is that one with whom he had enjoyed special friendship has become an enemy. And he already had enemies. It’s too much. He is overwhelmed, and basically just lashes out at everyone. Even his own thoughts trouble him (verse 2).

Being troubled at his thoughts may be the beginning of hope – that, along with the content of verse 22, which appears as a little oasis of true spiritual longing in the midst of this sea of bitterness. Even the final sentence, expressing trust in the Lord, leaves things unsettled, when you know there is still this angst in his heart. I mean, he expresses trust in contrast to what others do (verse 23). In the light of Christ, your expression of trust in God would not be complete without going right back to dealing with what is unsettled in relationship with others – in the Psalmist’s case, particularly that former friend.

This is not a piece of Scripture that you would read before bedtime for peace of mind before falling blissfully asleep. Like so much of God’s Word, it disturbs. I am working on an outline for a message series in the fall on the God who disturbs, and Christians as a disturbing force. It will be dangerous, and probably disturbing. There will be those who will tell me it is the wrong kind of message to appeal to people. It will need lots of different elements and media, and it will take a team to do well. But then that is in keeping with God’s disturbing and cinematically (what rating?) powerful Word to the world, and to our minds and hearts.

Prayer:
Lord, I am often disturbed at my thoughts. Thank for for not making me complacent about what is in my heart and mind. There is much yet to be redeemed in me. This world is of course far from redemption, even though it is so close at hand. Help me do my little bitty part to close the gap, starting with me. Through Christ. Amen.