SCRIPTURE
Psalm 32:11 – Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
DOWNPOURS AND DUCKS
“Let’s grab a loaf of bread and head over to the city park to feed the ducks.” Having grown up enjoying life’s simple pleasures, I knew this was a Sunday afternoon delight just waiting for us. My friend was hesitant and unsure what this was about but agreed to accompany me. After an hour or so of sitting on the pond’s bank surrounded by happy quacking, my smiling friend gave voice to amusement and satisfaction. “Who knew how much fun this could be? And for less than a dollar!”
I have often spent time on the banks of a pond. Whether I am there to fish, to worship, or simply to be, the water provides a calming backdrop just right for refreshment of the soul. From roaring oceans to trickling creeks, with or without ducks, I love the water. Even cold rain provides a lovely setting for one of my favorite pastimes – the afternoon nap. I’m a big fan of rain and naps.
What we need around here is a little more rain. I have heard this statement uttered several times in recent days most often during a downpour. While the sarcasm is not lost on me, I do wonder what our ongoing teasing might bring toward the end of the coming summer. When faced with drought, we may be singing the same words to a different tune. What we need around here is a little more rain!
David is no stranger to rain and drought – perhaps not in a physical sense but more in a way of describing his holy adventures. He certainly understands the pain of unconfessed sin and aptly pens Psalm 32 as a hymn of contemplation in the face of spiritual dryness.
He begins his song by embracing his clean slate. He has reconciled his past failings and returned to God with a praising and joyful heart. He admits that when he was held in the clutch of his poor decisions, life was dry and miserable like a drought of his soul. The heaviness of his silence had weighed him down until he possessed no strength to withhold his confession.
When David finally lets go of his silence and openly speaks with God about his lapses, his despair is drenched in the downpouring of God’s love. Forgiveness rains down on David in a torrent of cleansing, and his personal drought gives way to God’s nourishment. At this sanctification, he cannot keep his elation contained. “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.”
Moving through a season of introspection, may these Lenten days result in my own desire to enter into confession over my transgressions and receive the healing waters of God’s love and forgiveness.
It’s a good day to be a duck.
Pastor Beth
PRAYER FROM PSALM 32
Lord, instruct me and teach me about the direction I should go. Advise me and keep your eye on me. I don’t want to be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. I don’t want to be anything like that! I know that the pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD. I know those who are righteous rejoice in you and are glad! I want my own heart right so that I may sing out in joy! Amen.
