Psalm 137. Keep praying saints: How can I sing when in grief?

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Psalm 137.

The Israelites sat by the river in Babylon in grief. They were in captivity and were asked to sing. How often are we able to sing when in despair? The time we like to sing is for times of joy, not while in angst. The Israelites wrote this psalm remembering the “good old days”, hoping to never forget their motherland, and praying harm to the wicked who brought them out. God allows them to lament and allows us to do the same, even when our words are not holy toward others. He then reminds us of His promises that we have in Christ and the promised land of eternity. “Lord God, help us in our grief. Give us words to be strengthened and grant us peace to move forward by Your grace in Christ. Amen”