Psalm-light for the Third Sunday of Easter, 2021

Psalm 4

“I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep:
For only you Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
(Psalm 4: 8)

Living with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year has robbed many of us of our sleep and invaded our dreams. While some of us are feeling the weight of time on our hands, and others of us are overworked and overstretched, few of us are getting the rest and sleep we need. The words of the Psalmist may seem more aspirational than descriptive of our lives: we are not laying down in peace, nor are we quickly falling and staying asleep. There are no easy answers, although we can do our part: avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol in the evening; no “blue light” screen time before bed; exercise, be active, eat in moderation … By now, you know the drill, so do I, but have to admit that I struggle with sleep in these pandemic days.
Like us, the Psalmist is not without his troubles. In verse 1 he writes, “you gave me room when I was in distress” (NRSV translation). There is “room” in our relationship with God for our complaints, concerns, and our cries; the full range of our emotions and our life experiences. The title of an old hymn sums up God’s invitation to us to come, “Just as I am.” That is how we approach the God of mercy.
The Psalmist prays, “have mercy on me, and hear my prayer” (v. 1). To be heard; to be truly listened to with deep empathy, love and compassion is a great gift which has the power to heal, restore and strengthen. God listens to us this way; and in the Name of Christ, we are called to “make room” and listen with the “ears of our hearts” to one another.
The Psalmist writes, “You have put gladness in my heart more than when grain and wine and oil increase” (v.7).  When I wake in the night because of the background stress of COVID, I could try “changing the channel in my head,” from rehashing concerns and cares, to recalling my many blessings. I might not immediately fall back to sleep, but my time spent lying awake would sure be more pleasant! It may even make my heart glad!

Walking in the Light:
Are there changes in food and alcohol consumption, social media use, streaming/ TV watching, exercise etc., that you recognize you should make to support your own wellness, as we weather the pandemic? Is there support you need? Pray for the grace to ask for help when you need it.

Submitted by Archdeacon Peter Crosby