Images of physical suffering and affliction are found throughout the psalms. In Psalm 22, which we reflected on several weeks ago, there are graphic images of physical danger and threat:
Many bulls encircle me . . .
they open wide their mouths at me,
like a ravening and roaring lion. . .
. . . all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
you lay me in the dust of death.
For dogs are all around me,
a company of evil doers encircles me,
My hands and feet have shriveled;
I can count all my bones. . .
Deliver my soul from the sword,
my life from the power of the dog!
Save me from the mouth of the lion!
These are graphic images of physical suffering and threat. Such references are not uncommon in the psalms. There is often a sense of imminent danger.
In Psalm 51, the psalm assigned for this week, we hear some of the most intensive pleading for deliverance and mercy represented in the entire book of Psalms:
Have mercy on me. . .
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me throughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin. . .
. . . you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.
. . . teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. . .
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart. . .
Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.
The pleading is intense. The writer is clearly desperate and suffering. Yet there is no mention of physical suffering or physical affliction. Therefore, we can assume that the pain of the writer/pray-er is not physical, but spiritual. The one writing this psalm is referring to acute spiritual affliction. And sometimes the worst pain we experience in life may be spiritual, emotional suffering, rather than physical suffering.
Suffering of the body can generally be diagnosed and treated. We go to the doctor. We take the pills. We follow the prescribed therapeutic plan given to us by the medical profession.
Spiritual pain can be more complex. It can be harder to identify and sort out. It may involve other people which adds complications that we may have no control or influence over. Spiritual pain may affect every area of our lives. And it can be harder to address.
Being aware of the distress caused by spiritual pain can make us more compassionate toward ourselves when we are suffering in spirit. And it can help us to be more understanding and supportive of others who are in the midst of spiritual distress. It may be a time to turn to a pastor, a therapist, a chaplain, or a counselor for needed support.
Lent is a time for reflection and healing. The mercy and love of God can heal our spiritual suffering and free us from bondage to that pain. There can be fullness of joy for us thanks to the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.
Prayer
We offer our prayers for all those who are suffering in spirit. We pray for those whose lives are wracked by spiritual pain and affliction. We know that God intends peace for all people. May we seek the healing that we need to that we can know the freedom of peace and joy. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 