Monday, March 23rd, 2020
By Jamie Butcher
Psalm for the Day: Psalm 146: 1-4
With only four short verses, this psalm packs a punch. Reminding the people not to trust in princes or human beings, the psalmist declares that mortal “plans come to nothing.” This sentiment certainly resonates in our current climate. Whatever it was that you were planning last week to do today, odds are you aren’t doing it now. When you made your New Year’s resolution for 2020 or set a goal for the month of March, I’m guessing you have adjusted your expectations. As one tweet stated, “Honestly, I did not plan to give THIS much up for Lent.” In this season of sickness, our mortal plans have changed.
Yet, as the psalmist sings, we still say, “Praise the Lord!” When the pastors activated the phone tree to encourage members in these trying times, I called several households of FPC. I assure you I received much more from these conversations than I gave. You told me stories of neighbors helping neighbors, of surviving the polio crisis, of “hunkering down” with trust in God’s providential care. I heard how you were tackling new projects, enjoying family board games or coping with isolation by connecting virtually. People, you are singing God’s praises—still!
Psalm 146 begins the Psalter’s final doxological section (146-147). While earlier psalms move through a mix of praise and lament, the Psalter concludes with praise. I find great comfort in this—both that we can and should bring our full range of emotions before God and that God has the final word—and it is one of praise. Friends, the story ends with good news.
