“Trust in the LORD!”
Psalm 20 (20:7) – June 16, 2024
I seldom mention politics in my sermons, but today will be an exception. I am uncomfortable, even alarmed at the general political conversation in the United States right now, in June 2024. Many people across our country are polarized, in terms of political discussion. All kinds of issues – from schooling, bussing, immigrants, guns, diversity, human rights, ecology, taxes, unemployment, science – you name it. Just about any and every issue can be a battleground today. It seems like any two people, or two groups, or two countries have got to be fighting with each other all the time.
This makes me want to come before God, and bring my concerns before the Lord about the political conversation – or downright fighting! – that is so regularly going on today! I read in one of my commentaries on Psalm 20, written more than ten years ago, that our commentator at that time saw “so many people willing to tear people’s reputations and actions to shreds; regardless of however right or wrong are their opinions, and their understanding!”
In her commentary, Joan Stott goes on to say “We are going through a particularly ‘sticky’ situation … people seem to be delighting in other people’s potential mistakes and/or problems, and ridiculing their deliberately made decisions.” [1] Wow. Double wow! If that argumentative attitude was pervasive in this country twelve years ago, imagine today, with fist fights breaking out in rooms and chambers where our elected representatives meet.
Here in our worship service, this space is set apart to be directed to God. We have the luxury of having this special place for worship, prayer, praise and thanksgiving. And, petition, too, when we need God’s help. That is what Psalm 20 begins with: petition to our God. “1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May God send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.”
From current news stories from across our country, I do not think many people step back and consider wisely before they angrily express opinions or enter into arguments. They yell and shout and sometimes even get into fist fights over political disagreements.
But, wait. This psalm also mentions war, and fighting. Except, coupled with prayer. Our psalmist is lifting up the concept of praying to God before making any decision, especially one as serious as a battle. Leaders from across the world this past Thursday gathered on the beaches in Normandy to remember the 80th anniversary of D-Day, June 6th, 1944. In one of the many articles commemorating this huge wartime operation, I read one about General Dwight Eisenhower, who supervised the invasions of France and Germany for the American forces.
General Eisenhower wrote a draft of a memo that was never released, just in case the invasion failed. Included among his remarks is: “My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.” [2] And, contemporary accounts tell us Eisenhower definitely prayed earnestly about the attack.
Is there any solution to our anxiety about contentious or brawling arguments in politics today? Something that is definitely rare in today’s political discussion is active listening, and considerate hearing of different points of view. Commentator Joan Stott is grateful for “wise and considered decisions that in the past, have been made following earnest prayer, and hours of listening to … people’s viewpoints and needs.” [3] Oh, that we might be blessed with more leaders locally and nationally who are wise, and act in measured and rational ways.
Which brings us back to Psalm 20. Not only does this psalm lift up the people of the nation: “4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” Moreover, this psalm points us toward the ultimate source of our strength, in verse 7! “7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
I know that many prayers went up to God before the Normandy invasion in June of 1944. I am so grateful that meticulous planning and considered, measured judgment came into play in the whole operation. Would that a small amount of that measured thinking and considered judgment be used today, as friends, and acquaintances, and our political leaders engage in political infighting and mean-spirited arguments.
What can you and I do about all this argumentation? I know it seems like a huge problem! Insurmountable, sometimes. Especially when you and I come up against angry words or harsh opinions, or even fist fights! However, we can take this psalm into our lives and hearts today, and ask God to be with each of us as we go about our daily activities.
Plus, as a congregation before God, we know that God is with each of us, in power and in strength. This psalm really lifts up this image of God! The Lord is saving us for a life in heaven, yes! And, the Lord is saving us here and now, from the ways sin impacts our lives! [4] Sin? Yes – not following God, not acting and speaking in ways that lift up our God. And, arguing and infighting about politics are certainly not pointing people to our loving and powerful God!
We – you and I are the sign that God is at work in the world. And, we can show people day by day that we are living lives that show forth God’s purposes. Not arguing, not bickering, and certainly no fist fights! Instead, we can all strive to apply God’s love, understanding and reconciliation to our speech and our actions, each and every day.
The writer of this psalm knew from personal experience “that to call on God when in need was to place our lives, our thinking and planning within God’s overview, and to trust always in God’s leading and guidance.” [5] That was true thousands of years ago, and it is just as true today. Whether fighting with swords, shields, arrows and armor, or with the weapons of argument, animosity and downright hatred of one group against another. We need to go to God and have God lead us and guide us each day. May it be so! Alleluia, amen.
(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!
[1] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/d-day-in-case-of-failure-letter-by-general-eisenhower-2012-6
[3] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm
[4] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/ascribe-to-god/fourth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes
[5] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/pentecost3[11]b_2012.htm
Pastor, Preacher, Pray-er 