By Jenae Longenecker, a sophomore history and peace, justice and conflict studies major from South Bend, Indiana.
Scripture: Psalm 63:1-8 (NRSV)
When I read Psalm 63, I feel grounded in the long, arching narrative of God’s people living in the world. The scriptures, and this psalm in particular, have been part of the human story for thousands of years.
Long after the time of David, when this psalm was initially written, the early church chose it as the morning reading to begin their weekly worship. The words leapt off the page and into the living body of the church, an expression of their longing for a just and loving God who would overturn the systems and sufferings of this world.
And now, in the winter of 2016, the Earth cries out with the same parched longing. Broken communities, systems and people fill the world, and from that longing the cry for the one, powerful, justice-bearing God arises.
When we sing songs like “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus,” committing one more day to kingdom-building work, we join this cry.
When we look around and see the brokenness of the world and long for God’s loving justice to bind up our wounds, we join this cry.
When tears fill our eyes in the biting loneliness of winter, longing for the warmth of light and connection, we join this cry.
When we can find the strength in ourselves to have hope, we join in this cry.
Our longing, alive in souls across the world, adds another layer of meaning to Psalm 63. The words leap off the page and enter our collective memory once again.
Scripture: Psalm 63:1-8 (NRSV)
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.
3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
4So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
5My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
6when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.