A Modern Day Psalm

by: Rev. Anna Golladay

Oh Lord, God of honest and truth-filled presence. I stand on a precipice of fear and humbly seek your face.
I find myself deep in a cave of anxiety, alone and without strength.
My desire to peer from the depths is filled with trepidation. 
Many who are said to represent you are unrecognizable to me. Others display your face as bright as the noonday sun.
You have not left me, even in the face of those who would dismantle the systems around me. 
You arrive in the form of peace doves and stealthy wolves.
You encircle those who lie.
You trap harmful tactics and remove them from my sight.
Your fury for injustice has landed and you swiftly capture those who speak against you, ensnaring them.

I glory in your power.
The daylight calls to me, echoing in my ears.
If I calmly make my way toward this daylight, will I still feel you have accompanied me?
Who will I encounter? From where will my strength come?
You remind me that this hole is comfortable, but will not save me.
Your call to link arms with others gives me stamina.
My exit is swift, as though a powerful breath has pushed me outward. 

As I adjust my eyes, my gaze falls upon a multitude.
Migrants and citizens alike.
The transgender.
Humans on Medicare and Medicaid.
Those pregnant but longing not to be.
Politicians with courage.
USAID recipients.
Our national parks.
Teachers and educators.
Married queer couples.
The neurodivergent.
The hungry.
The naked.
The thirsty.
The poor.

I witness your cloak of protection enveloping them. 
I watch their tear-filled eyes dry and turn to resolve.
Your will is mighty and your way is encouraging.
You have never been as far as I imagined. 
You will not leave, nor will you forsake me.
I will praise your name from the mountaintop and I will speak your truth until the end of my days.