Proper 12
Worship
Aids To The Psalms
In your strength the king rejoices, O Lord,
and in your help how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart's desire,
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold on his head.
He asked you for life; you gave it to him -
length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your help;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
You bestow on him blessings forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall
not be moved.
Alternate Image
The Singer is at an inauguration. The president has won a second term and the Singer is to write a song to celebrate the occasion. For inspiration the Singer mingles among the people who have gathered to commemorate this occasion. She asks each the same question, "Do you trust this president?" An enthusiastic young party worker gushes, "Oh, yes! I think he really cares and he has the bluest eyes. I trust him." An old bureaucrat responds, "Trust? I trust he will be as self-serving as the rest of us." A political reporter states, "Trust really doesn't enter into it except on a very superficial political level. I think he is committed to his political philosophy and agenda. Whether he can accomplish that agenda is a whole different kettle of fish." A gray-headed lady's smile crinkles her face, and she tells the Singer, "Yes, I trust him. I trust him because I was his Sunday school teacher. I trust him because I have attended church with him many years. I trust him not because of his accomplishments, his talents or political skills, or his keen intellect; I trust him because he trusts. Our president trusts God! He trusted God to give him life and God gave him love. He trusted God to give him a job and God granted him a vocation. Yes, I trust our new leader, because he trusts one that is a greater leader than himself. Our president trusts the one who is trustworthy."
Reflection
Without trust we are a doomed people. Without trust we are worn out suspiciously watching each other, and safeguarding our interests with energy, time and money consuming endeavors. Without trust our home lives dissolve into private hells. Without trust our communities stifle growth and are populated with pockets of fearful wariness. Without trust nations become armed camps just waiting for the enemy to make their move. Without trust life can be chaotic. Whom do you trust? Why do you trust them? Those we trust most are those who also trust. If someone is continually skeptical of the motives of others, we become suspicious of them. If they expect only the wdrst in others, we tend to expect the worst of them as well. Those who trust God, trust best and we in turn can trust them. That is a blessing of God's faithfulness which instills faithfulness in us.
and in your help how greatly he exults!
You have given him his heart's desire,
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold on his head.
He asked you for life; you gave it to him -
length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through your help;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
You bestow on him blessings forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
For the king trusts in the Lord,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall
not be moved.
Alternate Image
The Singer is at an inauguration. The president has won a second term and the Singer is to write a song to celebrate the occasion. For inspiration the Singer mingles among the people who have gathered to commemorate this occasion. She asks each the same question, "Do you trust this president?" An enthusiastic young party worker gushes, "Oh, yes! I think he really cares and he has the bluest eyes. I trust him." An old bureaucrat responds, "Trust? I trust he will be as self-serving as the rest of us." A political reporter states, "Trust really doesn't enter into it except on a very superficial political level. I think he is committed to his political philosophy and agenda. Whether he can accomplish that agenda is a whole different kettle of fish." A gray-headed lady's smile crinkles her face, and she tells the Singer, "Yes, I trust him. I trust him because I was his Sunday school teacher. I trust him because I have attended church with him many years. I trust him not because of his accomplishments, his talents or political skills, or his keen intellect; I trust him because he trusts. Our president trusts God! He trusted God to give him life and God gave him love. He trusted God to give him a job and God granted him a vocation. Yes, I trust our new leader, because he trusts one that is a greater leader than himself. Our president trusts the one who is trustworthy."
Reflection
Without trust we are a doomed people. Without trust we are worn out suspiciously watching each other, and safeguarding our interests with energy, time and money consuming endeavors. Without trust our home lives dissolve into private hells. Without trust our communities stifle growth and are populated with pockets of fearful wariness. Without trust nations become armed camps just waiting for the enemy to make their move. Without trust life can be chaotic. Whom do you trust? Why do you trust them? Those we trust most are those who also trust. If someone is continually skeptical of the motives of others, we become suspicious of them. If they expect only the wdrst in others, we tend to expect the worst of them as well. Those who trust God, trust best and we in turn can trust them. That is a blessing of God's faithfulness which instills faithfulness in us.
