by Andrea L Walker
Lately, many of us have been feeling the weight of the world. I pastor a congregation in Washington, D.C. Many of my members work for non-profits or for the federal government. I find myself standing on a Sunday, my heart being torn apart because I can see the fear and disappointment on their faces. That’s when I want to loudly sing the words of a Psalm.
Through my over twenty years as a pastor, I have come to appreciate the Psalms. I miss singing them. It is something that we haven’t done in our congregation since the pandemic. I miss it. I particularly love how many times a psalm helps us to understand the other readings of the day. If not, they give us another glimpse of the God we serve.
The beginning of Psalm 139 is one of my favorites. For two reasons: 1.) the Psalmist proclaims God is always with us, and 2.) we are assured that our worth comes from God, who knows us intimately even before we are born.
These ideas are particularly helpful. As a pastor, when I moved here five years ago. I had no family to go with me. When you walk into a congregation, and no one knows you, you have to repeatedly reestablish yourself, show people who you are, and sometimes prove that you are indeed called to this place. At least, that is how it feels.
As the Psalmist sings, “Where can I flee from your presence?” This reminds me that even in a new place, God is there with me. God has come before me and prepared a way for me in this new place.
As someone who did not grow up Lutheran, I found the idea of being justified by grace through faith exciting. Yet, struggling to know and understand this unconditional, unmerited love and forgiveness of God was hard. This Psalm helps. “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” This intimate knowledge signals that God cares enough to know, see, and love me.
The Psalmist sings, so we know there is nowhere that God’s love, goodness, forgiveness, and grace are not present. I believe people need to know this more than ever in our world. Lives are being turned upside down. In recent weeks I have seen members being stripped of that thing that gives them a sense of self, that gives them a sense of worth. Many have spent their lives helping others. And that is being devalued and put out of reach.
Yet, nothing is out of reach for God.
In my present context, my goal on Sunday morning is to preach about this ever-present God, who forms us in the womb. I want the cutest 3-year-old and the spunkiest 85-year-old to know and understand that they are true “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I want everyone to know that who they are, not just how they behave or what they do, are gifts of God. I want them to know that God loves them and sees them as precious.
I believe there is solace in these words. This is what I count on. The bonus is that we know the one who died on the cross and rose from the grave so that we might receive forgiveness and love. This, I hope and pray, brings joy. So, we are able to sing the praises in this Psalm even louder.
The Psalmist sings praises to the wonder and creativeness of God. Knowing that there is a relationship between the one who praises and the one being praised. There is comfort in being known by God. Relief in knowing that the God the Psalmist proclaims is present no matter where we abide, no matter what we do.
Discussion questions:
1. What gives you comfort in this Psalm?
2. How do you give thanks?
3. Do you know your worth?
Closing prayer:
Gracious God, continue to assure us of your presence. May we understand that you have created us, and our worth comes from you. Fill us with the confidence to walk in your grace, mercy, and love. Let us be examples of your goodness in this world, helping others see that they are precious; in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Andrea L Walker currently serves as pastor of the historic 180-year-old congregation, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Washington, D.C. She previously served in the Global Mission unit of the ELCA as the Area Director for Madagascar, West, and Central Africa. Her superpower is crossing over borders and boundaries of difference to create community.