Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation in Christ

This Sunday is Mothers' Day and we hope all women feel special as they come to Church, whether they are mothers or not. I understand this day can be an emotional day for some people. Some women may have wanted to be a mother and didn’t have the opportunity, others of us have lost mothers, others have strained relationships, some mothers carry burdens for their children or grandchildren, and others are full of joy and hope in regards to motherhood. 

However you are feeling about Mothers' Day, we hope you join us at Church as we take a closer look at the 23rd Psalm. This psalm gives comfort and hope while reflecting on the realities of human experiences. In this psalm we see three movements which exemplify a fragment of the human experience. We see orientation, disorientation, and reorientation.

In our lives we all experience “Orientation" (when everything feels right and content in our lives), “Disorientation" (when life feels difficult, dark, and broken), and "Re-Orientation” (when God pulls us out of the brokenness of life and we are brought to a deeper sense of awareness and gratitude).

This is why we can all relate to Psalm 23 personally and deeply. In this psalm, the first three verses are of orientation: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Life is good, happy, blessed. The Lord provides us with lush green pastures and refreshing waters. God is known to be reliable and a source of all our needs.

Verse four suggests disorientation—the “darkest valley”—a description of the trauma and suffering we go through as humans and communities.

And, later in verse four, there is re-orientation. The psalter declares, “for you are with me”. There is an expression of trust and confidence in the presence of God in spite of suffering.

Whichever stage you are in right know, I pray this psalm renews your hope and gives you peace and comfort this week.

Every blessing to you in Christ, 

Reverend Tanya Cummings