The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. - Psalm 77:16

Today’s Scripture Reading (July 1, 2019): Psalm 77

On March 4, 1982, ABC released its new Leslie Nielsen vehicle “Police Squad.” Nielsen was hot off of his 1980 movie “Airplane,” and the networks were clamoring for some way to bring his antics to the small screen. “Police Squad” was that attempt. The show was a spoof of police procedural dramas and was filled with sight gags, wordplay, and absurd dialogue. And most of the critical evaluation of the comedy was positive. But despite the good reviews, ABC decided to cancel “Police Squad” after just four episodes. The usual reason for canceling a show early is that it fails to find its niche with the viewing public; after all, it is all about the ratings. But that was not the reason for canceling “Police Squad.” ABC entertainment president Tony Thomopoulos said that the comedy was canceled because “the viewer had to watch it in order to appreciate it.” The reason for “Police Squad’s” cancellation seemed like a non sequitur that belonged in the dialogue of the show. But what Thomopoulos likely meant was that the fast pacing of the show required that the viewer had to pay attention to what was going on. “Police Squad” was not a show for multitaskers; if they were going to get the most out of the show, they actually had to sit down and give the show their attention.

The Psalmist argues that Israel serves a God who is involved with his people. He is a God of miracles and redemption. And the people would know that if they were paying attention. But that was the problem. The people did not seem to be aware of everything that God was doing all around them.

Then he makes this comment. Even the waters see God. Again, for those who want to interpret everything in the Bible literally, this verse seems to present a problem. Obviously, the seas don’t have eyes. Instead, the Psalmist gives us this poetic expression of Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea. He argues that the reason why the waters parted was that the waters saw, or sensed, the presence of God. And if the water is paying attention to God, then why aren’t we.

I am convinced that God’s presence has a positive effect on our lives. But the reality is that the only way we will know that is if we are paying attention. And in a busy world, that is often what we are not doing. We become so fixed on the things of this world that we miss what God is doing all around us, and we need to be reminded that even the water responds to God.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 78

Dear Canada: Happy Canada Day!