A Psalm for Anxiety
A Psalm for Anxiety
I woke up feeling anxious this morning. The shift to being a digital pastor has been mostly a fun challenge. I've mostly enjoyed being innovative and finding new ways to be the church, to check in with the youth, and to find creative solutions to the social isolation that the coronavirus pandemic has presented.
But between being social from a distance with my youth, writing content, and video conferencing with different people, I have spent all day, every day this week in front of a computer screen and I'm beginning to feel it: my eyes are a little tired and I keep unconsciously grinding my teeth.
While my attention is focused on my work, my heart is heavy with both the fears of the world, as well as the grief of those around me.
A lot has been lost with the sudden halt in plans in the coming weeks and months and I realize a little more of it every day. Friends are putting off their wedding. High schoolers are losing their proms and graduations. Trips and plans canceled.
Relieving Anxiety with Psalms
If you are like me and this coronavirus has impacted your daily rhythm severely, maybe the Psalms (and also probably a walk outside) are just what we need. So I encourage you to look at Psalm 22 together with me.
Dr. Wallace recently taught us about the beautiful Psalm 23 which brings much comfort. Images of a shepherd and green pasture can bring comfort in times like these.
But times like these can carry complex emotions and I want to offer Psalm 22 for when the comfort of Psalm 23 does not fully put into words how you are feeling.
Why Psalm 22 is Different
Psalm 22 is different. It's one of those Lament Psalms and this one may be especially familiar as it is referenced by Jesus on the cross, saying: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Rev. Robert Franklin once said in a sermon while I was at Candler:
"Before we can arrive at the shepherd's green pasture of Psalm 23, we have to pass through the anguish of abandonment of Psalm 22. 'My God, why have you abandoned me?' That Jesus is presented as quoting that verse of all, while hanging from the cross, reminds us that we have permission to be as close to God as Jesus was and as indignant about the experience of suffering and abandonment as he was. Both intimacy and indignation are a part of a dynamic spiritual life."
Writing Exercise
It's okay to be a little anxious, even a little frustrated with God right now. We see Jesus setting an example for us by voicing these feelings to God.
If you have the time today or this week, I encourage you to write these out. Write out your losses, your frustrations, and your let-downs. Tell God what you are sad or angry about. God can take it.
And perhaps in time you too, like the Psalmist, will arrive at a song of praise to God saying, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Kelsey Lewis Vincent is the Pastor for Youth and Families at First Baptist Decatur. You can follow her on Twitter where she posts about faith, succulents, and her adorable dog, Karl Bark.