Monday, December 12
Psalm 40
In Eugene Peterson’s The Message, the Psalmist addresses God and says, “Doing something for you, bringing something to you—that’s not what you’re after. Being religious, acting pious—that’s not what you’re asking for. You’ve opened my ears so I can listen.”
God gives us a task that seems so simple, but is profoundly difficult. It is so much easier to bring something or do something—to stay busy so that we earn our worthiness—rather than to listen.
Listening seems to be even more difficult during this season.
We get caught up in outdoing one another in gift-giving and party-throwing and card-writing–even busying ourselves with making plans to ensure that the Christmas tree in God’s house has the best presents underneath it. If we don’t do all of that, what good are we?
And all the noise and sounds around us—traffic, bells, carols, and on and on.
“You’ve opened my ears so I can listen.”
Really? God expects us to slow down, maybe even stop, find a quiet place, and listen? God wants us to engage in real conversation with our family and friends and colleagues—even those with whom we disagree?
Really?
PRAYER
God of peace, you’ve opened our ears so we can listen. Help us to discern your voice amidst the noise, so that we may hear you come near this season. Amen.
Rev. Sharon K. Youngs, assistant stated clerk, communications coordinator, Office of the General Assembly, PC(USA)
Louisville, Kentucky