Taking care of plants is a lot like tending to your soul. With some time and attention you can see what is there and nurture what is possible. This week we will practice writing psalms as a way of tending to our hearts and expressing something beyond ourselves.
Today’s Bible reading
Rise in your anger, O Lord!
Stand up against the fury of my enemies;
rouse yourself and help me!
Justice is what you demand,
so bring together all the peoples around you,
and rule over them from above.
You are the judge of all people.
Judge in my favor, O Lord;
you know that I am innocent.
You are a righteous God
and judge our thoughts and desires.
Stop the wickedness of evildoers
and reward those who are good.
God is my protector;
he saves those who obey him.
God is a righteous judge
and always condemns the wicked.
If they do not change their ways,
God will sharpen his sword.
He bends his bow and makes it ready;
he takes up his deadly weapons
and aims his burning arrows.
See how wicked people think up evil;
they plan trouble and practice deception.
But in the traps they set for others,
they themselves get caught.
So they are punished by their own evil
and are hurt by their own violence.
I thank the Lord for his justice;
I sing praises to the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 7:6-17
More thoughts for meditation
Aglaonema plants are beautiful. The multi-patterned varieties can thrive in various settings and conditions as houseplants.
But there are clear indicators when the plant is not getting what it needs to be healthy and grow. Droopy or curling, yellow or brown leaves, or a soggy stem show that conditions are not favorable. These visible signs of distress indicate the need for a change.
Suggestions for action
There are so many signs of distress in our world that cry out for change. Try using the Psalm above as a guide for writing your own prayer for justice. Let your anger, grief and fear be present alongside thanksgiving for what you know God can do. There is no wrong way to do this. Just express yourself honestly before God.