June 20, 2021, Lectionary

In the stories of David as well as in the psalms attributed to David, there is the one who is bullied, still undeterred, and surely delivered. I want to carry on in the name of the Lord of Hosts as David did. 1 Samuel 17:1-49

God is known by his justice, always fair and logical. Pit-diggers fall in their own pit. Net-spreaders entangle their own feet. Trap-setters ensnare themselves. And then there's mercy! Psalm 9:9-20

Talk about a bullied person being undeterred, it's Paul! Determined to be always rejoicing, always loving. "Poor yet making many rich, having nothing yet possessing everything." Lord, grant me that kind of courage. 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Jesus calms the storm. I can trust him to handle the rise in prices, shootings, virus variants, cyber attacks, and all the mistakes I make. I want to trust him to calm the storm of inner emotions, too. Mark 4:35-41

Thoughts about Listening

When bullies trouble you, find someone bigger than the bullies who will listen to you respectfully. 1 Samuel 17:1-49

Justice requires listening. Consider how many phrases used in our judicial systems have to do with hearing, hear, and heard. Psalm 9:9-20

A person can be poor and yet give the gift of listening, enriching lives. 2 Corinthians 6:1-3

When my anxiety or sadness or self-judgment rise in a storm, I can sometimes calm myself by talking it out with a good listener. Mark 4:35-41