Needing Rescue

A Reflection on the Psalm for May 1st, 2022:
Third Sunday of Easter

---

Psalm 30

R. Alleluia!

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up, and did not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.

R. Alleluia!

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment; his favour is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

R. Alleluia!

Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!” You have turned my mourning into dancing. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

R. Alleluia!
​

When I was a kid, one of my favourite stories was The Paper Bag Princess, a delightful children’s book about a princess who outwits a dragon to save her prince, then unceremoniously dumps the freshly rescued prince when he is rude to her. This is an apt example of how my parents raised me – to be strong, capable, independent. I was fortunate to grow up in a home and a world where being a girl wasn’t a limitation, where I was told over and over again I could be anyone I wanted to be. 


I have no regrets about my highly empowering upbringing, but it does mean I chafe a little at the idea of needing to be saved or protected. I like my independence, I value my freedom, and I’m proud of my accomplishments. I’m fine! I don’t need to be rescued! 


That, of course, is absurd. The older I get, the more I realize that independence is often a myth. I grew up surrounded by loving, supportive adults my entire childhood – my parents, aunts and uncles, and family friends who helped me every step of the way. I still rely on the love and support of many, from my husband to our extended families to our close friends. No man, or woman, is an island – we need each other, even if I want to pretend I could make it all alone. 


But there’s no one I need more than God. When I say “without Him, I am nothing,” that is literally true. He created me, He chose my family of origin for me, He has protected me all my life. I take so much of His care for granted every time I relish in my independence. 


I know this because I find it much easier to have a relationship with God when things are going well. When I feel confident and in control, it’s easy for me to make room for God in my life. But when I’m struggling, my independent streak comes out and I want to rely on myself. I tell myself I’ll fix all my problems, and then go back to God, showing Him how well I’ve done. 


But that’s not what He wants for me. Not because He wants to take away my freedom; there’s no one who values and protects my free will more than Him, who has never forced me into relationship with Him. He wants me to rely on Him and He wants me to let Him rescue me because He loves and delights in me. Even writing that out, it’s hard for me to believe: the God of the universe cares about my silly worries? The answer is always yes. 


Today’s psalmist has the confidence and vision I long for. The writer can see that God has rescued him, and he delights in being God’s beloved. This Easter season, I pray for the wisdom to see all the ways God wants to rescue me, and the grace to let Him.


​

Jenna Young
​

---