Psalm
71. You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your
wonderful acts. Now that I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me, O
God! Be with me while I proclaim your power and might to all generations to
come. Your righteousness, God, reaches the skies. You have done great things; there
is no one like you.
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t
believe in God. Over the years, my understanding of the Divine has expanded,
but I’ve always believed in the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. When I look
back over my life, I see a rich tapestry of blessing. God’s redemption and
grace obviously carried me through every challenge and trauma. To be honest, it
is only with hindsight that I recognize the never-failing presence of God.
Because, despite God’s faithfulness during every previous struggle, when
suffering strikes, I experience fear and doubt. A mentor committed suicide, my
dad had a stroke, my sister-in-law miscarried and a dear friend went through a
heart-breaking divorce, and every time I cried, “Oh my God! Why did this
happen? How can we get through this? Where are You?!”
Psalm 71 is called the “Prayer for
Lifelong Protection and Help.” David refers again and again to God’s
ever-present power and protection. But in the middle of his adoration he also
admits his own fear and doubt. “Do not abandon me, O God!” Like me, he has only
known a faithful God, but his human nature can’t quite let go of the fear. So,
like David, first I will celebrate all that God has done for me. And in that
same breath, I will also ask God to never forsake me.
Holy One, your wonder and glory are
evident in the taste of a perfectly-ripe avocado, in the sweet smell of my
child’s head after a bath, and in the beauty of the Puget Sound as seen from a
ferry deck. I am so thankful and grateful for all that you have done and all
that you are doing. Don’t ever, ever leave me. And give me the faith, for at
least today, to trust in Your protection and help. Amen.
—
Sunni
Bannon
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