A meditation on Psalm
73
Truly God is good to
the upright,
to those who are pure
in heart.
But as for me, my feet
had almost stumbled;
My steps had nearly slipped
Why do the “work of Lent” the work of a thorough examination
of our shortcomings and making a commitment to repentance and change? To me and
to the psalmist “it seems a wearisome task”.
This work is easy to ignore, to put aside for another time, year, century.
For some of us the work is undertaken out of desperation, life is so empty or
difficult or ridiculous that there is nothing left to lose by facing the truth
and following a different path.
The work of Lent is difficult but definitely worth doing,
because the life that results is the only life worth living. The psalmist states that he sought to
understand by going into the sanctuary of God. There he realizes that when his
“soul was embittered” He was “stupid and ignorant” He understands, however;
that even when he was in this brutish state, God was continually with him,
holding his hand.
Now his life is guided not by his own counsel, but is led by
God. When his heart and body fails, God will be his strength. He will be
received with honor.
This Lent, and daily, I seek to be in right relationship
with God, and to keep my house in order. Having done a painstaking evaluation of my
life, I have come to know a new freedom and a new happiness. I do not regret
the past nor do I wish to shut the door on it. I understand the word serenity and I know peace.
For me, it is good to
be near God;
I have made the Lord
my refuge
to tell of all his
works.
(Carrie Grinstead)
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