Psalm 22 (The Message)




God, God...my God!


Why did you dump me miles from nowhere?

Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long.


No answer.


Nothing.


I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.


And you!


Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise?


We know you were there for our parents: they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life.


And here I am, a nothing—


an earthworm,


something to step on, to squash.


Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads: "Let's see how God handles this one; since God likes him so much, let him help him!"


And to think you were midwife at my birth, setting me at my mother's breasts! When I left the womb you cradled me; since the moment of birth you've been my God.


Then you moved far away


and trouble moved in next door.


I need a neighbor.


During Holy Week all of our scripture readings come from The Message. I just love this version of Psalm 22....

Comments

RevErikaG said…
Amen! The Message helps me live the story in a new way. Blessed Holy Week to you!
Sally said…
kind of wakes you up with a start doesn't it!!!
Terri said…
What really gets me are the lines about God being the midwife then moving far away while trouble moves in next door...I need a neighbor...I mean haven't we all felt like that once or twice (or more) in our lives...? I think it sets the tone for Holy Week...

Popular posts from this blog

The Bleeding-heart: a poem by Mary Oliver

A Funeral Sermon: Healed by Love

Luke: A Mary Oliver Poem