Living Psalm 37

Living Psalms Book

Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.

Living Psalm 37 Torigian for October 26, 2025

Friends,

Do not agonize over the state of the world
Desiring to be as powerful as the ones threatening harm!

For their power will fade like the flowers in early autumn
And shrivel like November’s leaves grasping onto the unforgiving branches.

Breathe, my siblings. Breathe.

Even when the powers of the world shout loud and sign declarations-
God is present.

Trust in the One whose voice echoes above all others,
Listen for the Divine to direct us to serve and love.

When we can work for the Holy Good,
God will fill our hearts with peace and our souls with hope.

When we commit to the love and justice of God
We labor together with the Divine to scatter mercy across the earth.
And the light of God will shine through the steps of our feet
As we strive to create God’s Realm as flawed empires falter.

Yet, God calls for our patience in these times of shadows.
God asks for us to release the dread building up within our hearts.
Even when we seek to hibernate upon hearing the news,
God asks us to wait.
Wait.
Refrain from unhealthy actions that burst forth from our anger.

Breathe, my siblings. Breathe.

For the ones with wicked intentions will exhaust their power.
Their momentum will meet its end.
And we shall find God’s love and justice surrounding us again.

Rev. Michelle Torigian is a clergy member in Belleville, Illinois.

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Living Psalm 37 was written by Michelle Torigian.

Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community. Maren Tirabassi, editor

Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.