The psalms provide a wealth of ways in which to express the whole of ourselves to God- praise, lament, joy and repentance, even rage, are expressed in the psalms that we see in the Bible. Some are directed to God, some are directed to oneself (often as a call to trust in God, or turn back to God), some are even addressed to or a response to enemies that seem to be gloating at the suffering of the writer.
Something that I have found helpful, particularly in times where I feel lost and without a rudder, as I have done during the Covid pandemic, is to write my own psalm to God, expressing the complexity of my thoughts and emotions. Here is mine. Why not give it a go yourself?
How long, O LORD?
How long will this virus reek havoc in our world?
How long until we can sing your praise together again?
How long until we see death defeated and loneliness and isolation are no more?
How long until we can hug each other once more?
How long until I can know the touch of love and care?
How long until I can feel your presence again?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long, O LORD?
I recall your goodness, your mighty deeds,
I remember your power, how you moved mountains, healed the sick, raised the dead, provided food in the wilderness and water in the desert.
Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles.
You display your power among the peoples,
With your mighty power and outstretched arm,
You rescued your people.
The waters saw you, God,
The waters saw you and writhed;
The very depths were convulsed.
Your wind blew back the waves,
Your path led through the sea,
Your way through the mighty waters,
Though your footprints were not seen.
By your Spirit, O LORD, drive back the waves of this virus, make a way through this fearsome terror. Lead you people to share the hope of Christ, and to rejoice in your goodness. AMEN.
repairerofwalls 