Winston Salem church of Christ

Bob Seger sings, “There I go, turn the page.” Presidential hopeful Barack Obama intones in stump speeches that “Its time to turn the page.”  Filburt Shellbach in “Rocko’s Modern Life” has popularized the phrase, “Turn the page, wash your hands.” 

O.K., what do a rock singer, a politician, and a cartoon character have in common with the Bible?  Actually nothing other than….just wait, I’ll get to it in a moment. 

In reading my Bible today I read a prayer of angst, hurt, disappointment, and confusion.  Psalm 88 doesn’t mix present despair with future hope.  No, nothing but complaining to God and blaming God.  Every problem is God’s fault, according to this man’s mind.  He doesn’t see an indifferent God callously allowing agony.  He doesn’t see man’s free will causing anguish to both God and man.  No, the problems and pains are phrased in such accusatory tones such as You have put me in the lowest pit; You have made me an object of loathing; I suffer Your terrors; You have removed lover and friend far from me; My acquaintances are in darkness.  That last phrase ends this pain-filled, hard to read, Psalm. 

Reading the Psalm I see honesty mixed with confusion.  I see someone struggling, yet still praying, crying out by day and in the night.  Still praying and wondering why You reject my soul; why do You hide Your face from me? 

Reading the Psalm I hoped to see the writer change his perspective, much like in Psalm 22.  But, no.  I hoped for hope, but instead the Psalm ends in despair. 

Then I turned the page in my Bible and read Psalm 89 which begins, I will sing of the lovingkindess of the Lord forever; To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth. 

Something as simple as turning the page in my Bible teaches me a very valuable lesson – when I feel overwhelmed, turn to God and turn the page.
–
Perry D. Hall
www.justachristian.com
www.wschurch.com
www.1000voices.org