All Scriptures are from The Message Version
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Commentaries (sparse this week) for these scriptures can be found on Textweek.com through this link http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm62.htm
We are in the Liturgical season of Epiphany which is celebrated until the first week of Lent in late February. Here is one definition of the meaning of epiphany:
The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation" and is commonly linked in Western Christianity with the visit of the wise men (Magi) to the Christ child. Through the Magi, Christ revealed himself to the gentiles. In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany puts emphasis on the baptism of Jesus by John, with Christ revealing himself to the world as God's own Son. Likewise, on Epiphany some denominations commemorate Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine, signifying the manifestation of Christ's divinity as well. By Mary Fairchild, About.com
It is a season which recognizes the God’s presence among us and allows for some reflection of the meaning of that presence which will have different dimensions for each of us. Psalm 62 can be seen as one man’s thoughts on the meaning of God’s presence which is based on his reflections on his relationships with the people in his life.
Psalm 62:1-2 God, the one and only— I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I need comes from him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life.
• He begins with his revelation, his epiphany, what is the reality of God for him? What do the following statements mean to you? Have you experienced them in your faith life:
Everything I need comes from him (how powerful is this faith statement?)
Solid rock under my feet
Breathing room for my soul
Impregnable castle
• What would you add to describe your relationship and experience with God?
• He begins with a willingness to wait; what have you waited for, hoped for, anticipated as you have traveled along your faith journey? What are you now feeling is incomplete or unfulfilled in your relationship with God? Are you willing to wait?
• Could he be waiting for God to intervene in his situation and bring relief? Do some problems remain with us all of our lives? What do we as people of faith have to hold onto as we deal with a seemingly unending affliction? Paul writes about his in 2 Corinthians 12:
I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
How do you react to his words? Do you find them helpful in dealing with ongoing problems or something else?
• The Psalmist’s conclusion is that he is, ”set for life.” In these uncertain times how confident are you in making a statement like this? What do you worry about? Are people of faith “set for life” in ways that are not dependant on what is happening in the world?
The Psalmist then compares his relationship with God to that of problems and disappointments with his human relationships and repeats the conclusion he writes of above:
3-4 How long will you gang up on me? How long will you run with the bullies?
There's nothing to you, any of you— rotten floorboards, worm-eaten rafters,
Anthills plotting to bring down mountains, far gone in make-believe. You talk a good line, but every "blessing" breathes a curse.
5-6 God, the one and only— I'll wait as long as he says. Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not? He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul, An impregnable castle: I'm set for life.
• What seems to be his experience with fellow humans? Some obviously are enemies but could some be those he felt were friends and had his best interest at heart? How do you envision him as you read these words – an embittered old man, someone doing sober reflection, a person still under attack?
• What is your experience in dealing with others? Does it cause you to lament as he does or have you seen the presence of God in any of your relationships?
• What has occurred during your faith journey to give your relationship with God importance and meaning? What would you write for your own verses 3-4 as reasons to celebrate or illustrate its importance?
We finish by reading some of the wisdom about God he has acquired based on his life experience:
7-8 My help and glory are in God—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be…
11 God said this once and for all; how many times Have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes Straight from God."
12 Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
• What picture of God does the Psalmist give us in this word picture? Can you find one or two words that might summarize it?
• How important is having strength in dealing with life and the many things that come our way? What are some things that give you strength as you deal with challenges, illness, and relationships; are they all spiritual? When has your faith brought you the strength to deal with something?
• What is your interpretation of verse 12? The NIV translates it as, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Do you like that conclusion or would you close with some other statement about God’s response to us?
• Take some time to jot down those reasons that your relationship with God is important to you and use them in a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude as the psalmist has done.
Closing Litany
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Amen From NRSVNext Week’s Scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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My response to the basis for God's relationship with us is from Ephesians 3:
ReplyDelete8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.