Psalm 85:1-2,8-13

I guess with God's anger in the first two readings this week, it is appropriate that the lectionary leave out the middle portion of Psalm 85.  But verses 3-7 are very human.  They are a human questioning God's commitment for what must have been a great tragedy experienced by the author. 

"Will you be angry with us forever?  Will you prolong your anger through all generations?" (v 5)

There is no reason for us to question God's commitment, he gave His Son to die for us.  But we do question.  It is human! 

Where the lectionary picks up, verse 8, is actually the turning point of the psalm:

"I will listen to what God the lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants-but let them not turn folly."

Leaving out the middle of this psalm does us a disservice.  We should know that the psalmist wrestled with this.  Then, while questioning came to the realization that instead of asking and talking, he should listen!  For indeed, God is good!