Psalm Project

Psalm 143

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“Do not enter into judgment.” (143:2)

The temptation to judge other people according to our standards and expectations is high. Despite protestations to the contrary, a religious life invites making such judgements because we have the yardstick of sacred scripture as both a measuring device and a stick with which to beat transgressors. Resist the temptation, unless there is a strong potential that you or someone else will otherwise be hurt. Instead, walk a mile in their shoes and try to understand why they do what they do. Cultivate compassion, rather than judgement.

Psalm 142

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“No one cares about me.” (142:5)

In the course of a busy life, there are times when we might feel invisible, as if others are passing us by as if we don’t exist. It may not be malicious, just our busy family and coworkers engaged in their day, but nonetheless the feeling of being ignored hurts. As we go through our day, might we make it a point to notice and acknowledge the people we pass by? Perhaps make a point to smile, exchange a greeting, or ask a question that shows that we recognize and care about them. Show that you care.

Psalm 141

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“Give ear to my voice when I call to you.” (141:1)

Of all the skills that nurture a relationship, the skill of knowing when and how to listen is at or near the top. Listening is caring. A person who listens superficially for the opening to turn the conversation back to himself and his needs and interests is hearing, but not listening. To listen is to know that the response to a question is not necessarily an answer, but an affirmation that it is a serious question. A listening ear takes in and relieves pain, simply by being receptive to the deepest expressions of the other.

Psalm 140

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“Keep me from those prone to violence.” (140:5)

I have never felt seriously threatened with physical violence. When I lived in Manhattan, there were a few times that I was walking down a deserted street at night and remember wishing that there were more people around, but that’s the extent of my awareness of the forces of chaos and human evil.There are people who are more attuned to the potential for violent behavior among strangers than I am and who prefer to carry a weapon. I look to law enforcement as my friends and have never felt a desire to own a firearm to protect myself. If that makes me naive, then it is, to borrow a phrase from Paul Ricoeur, a willed naiveté with which I am perfectly content.

Psalm 139

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“You discern my thoughts from afar.” (139:2)

Most people can read thoughts because they are written in our facial expressions and in our tone of voice. People with certain atypical neurological pathways have difficulty reading faces, but often can learn to recognize and understand that which neurotypical people process without conscious thought. Individuals with low or no vision pay more attention to auditory cues than those with typical vision. In normal conversation, it is not so much a trick to discern thoughts as it is a skill that can be developed by learning to pay attention to all aspects of communication.