faith, in the real world

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.

When you are disturbed, do not sin;
ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices,
and put your trust in the LORD.

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”
You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

Psalm 4; NRSVue

The psalmist was hardly doing handstands. They were faced with all kinds of troubles. It’s basically all here. Life.

But in the face of that, there’s also faith. A faith which ultimately gives the confidence to carry on and even be glad. A faith that is ongoing, always needed in this life.