The Psalmist's Lament

Abstract

This sermon was preached in October 2006 on Domestic Violence Awareness Sunday to a medium-sized, middle-class Presbyterian congregation. It uses Psalm 55 as a springboard to explore domestic violence through the lens of a betrayal of a covenant relationship; defines domestic violence; lists reasons congregations often ignore domestic violence in their midst; examines Ephesians 5 and its impact on the concept of male privilege; provides alternate interpretation of text; suggests ways individuals and congregations can work to help victims of domestic violence; affirms congregation in its ongoing support of local domestic violence work; gives reasons for hope that attitudes towards domestic violence are changing; encourages congregation to remember God is with us in times of trouble, just as the psalmist was sustained by his faith in God.