Do Your Job, God

Have regard for your covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the haunts of violence. Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. Rise up, O God, plead your cause; remember how the impious scoff at you all day long. – Psalm 74:20 (NRSV)

God, some of us are really scared. We are watching the clock roll back on rights for women, people of color, trans kids, queer folk. We are watching the clock run out on our warming planet. We have written the letters and made the phone calls and showed up in the streets, but it hasn’t been enough.

We turn to you. Are your ears burning? Politicians are taking your name in vain to back up their scandalous positions. Are you going to let them get away with talking about you like that, God?

If you merely skimmed the psalmist’s words above, God, go back and take a second look. Download the Audible version and hear a real voice speaking them. This is a song your people have been singing for the last 2,500 years through war and famine and all the violence that humans do to one another and the earth. You didn’t get us into this mess, but can you get us out? Please?

Rise up and plead for us. Let the impious ones committing divine ventriloquism cease their scoffing. They make a mockery out of you, your church, the very way of Jesus. They make you unbelievable.

Prayer
I’ve said enough, God. It’s your turn.

About the Author
Rev. Molly Baskette is the lead pastor of First Church Berkeley UCC and the author of a number of books about church renewal, parenting, spiritual growth and more. For her author newsletter and book information, visit mollybaskette.com.