By Cade Fisher, a senior peace, justice & conflict studies major from Goshen
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
With trust, I can dare to imagine! This is true for my relationship with God as well as my relationships with people. In this passage, the Psalmist names their fears while handing them to God. They are afraid of shame, both from their enemies and past sins. Naming our fears to others makes us vulnerable. As a man, society teaches me that I should not be vulnerable. Therefore, it’s challenging for me to be honest with myself about what I’m afraid of, let alone being open and sharing that with other people.
But the Psalmist’s relationship with God is more nuanced than simply a relationship to express fear and vulnerability. God is a teacher, a truth-holder, a savior, love. These are good things. These are attributes that support brave spaces, places for imagination! And we sure need a lot of imagination at this time.
We need imaginative solutions to climate change, social justice issues, and health disparities. Furthermore, we need imaginative ways to talk about these things before we can tackle them head-on. We are not lacking in imagination. As God’s beloved children, we collectively hold the answer. We can all bring out the imagination in others by creating communities that care for one another, that humanize people and uplift our stories.
Sometimes our imagination comes up with ideas that stretch us and ask us to leave our comfort zones. By trusting in God’s goodness, we are freed to live out God’s love.
Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10 (NRSV)
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.
3Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
5Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
6Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
7Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.