[Wednesday Wellness] Waiting, Wondering, and Worshiping 

Rachel Strange, LAC, Living Well Counseling

I’ve been reading through the Psalms. And if you’ve ever read through just about any of the Psalms, you’ll know that they usually involve a rollercoaster of emotions. One psalm the writer (usually David) will be praising the Lord, talking about dancing and making music to Him, and the next he’ll be crying out, angry at God, questioning where He is and what He is doing. Sometimes the reader will go on a ride on these ups and downs in just a few verses. 

Here’s an example I came across recently: “How long, Lord, will you look on? […] I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.”  – Psalm 35:17a, 18 

I had this view of “rollercoaster of emotions” (some would maybe use the word “bipolar,” which is not something I can get into right now) of Psalms up until recently. As I’ve gotten older, I realize more and more how broken the world is, how there are horrible things that happen that have no explanation. I’ve seen some of the dearest people to me deep in grief and sorrow, and no amount of comfort (or “comfort”) from others could make it any better, and rightfully so. Tragedy strikes unexpectedly and without cause. People wait and wait for a miracle that may never happen. Loved ones feel helpless because there is nothing to do to help. And it’s heavy. And it’s dark. And somehow, God is still good. 

And that’s it. And. David in this psalm is being attacked by his very own people, asking God for help, wondering why He doesn’t seem to be doing anything, waiting for an answer. And he gives God thanks. And. 

Circumstances can seem impossible, and God is still present in them. 

Grief may be crippling, and God is still sovereign. 

We may wonder when God is going to intercede and make the wrongs right, and He is still good. 

We may not feel Him moving, and He is still worthy of all praise. 

So the “rollercoaster of emotions” in Psalms is more like the “and” of the sentences of life. Because we can have both. We can experience deep sorrow and somehow lift our hands in praise because of who God is. We can be angry and thankful all at once. We can wait for God to move, wonder what He’s doing, and worship Him at the same time. And it’s heavy and it’s beautiful. 

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”  – Psalm 42:5