For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.” vs. 10
Psalm 31:9-16
We don’t know what was going on with the psalmist, he doesn’t give any details about whatever it was that had been tormenting him. We can only imagine–and make some guesses based on our own periods of dismal existence as we’ve made our way from spring to winter in the course of life. What we do know is that some folks feel exactly this way, if not for years, at least for months, and most of us have times when sorrow overwhelms us. Causes may vary: physical or emotional illness, family crises, addiction, mental break-downs–any one of these issues could cause our misery index to soar–and sometimes the causal factors even double up! Remedies for such problems will vary, but what we all crave is understanding. It does little good to be told we “just need to put a smile on our faces and be happy” or “buck up, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” But a caring hug and empathetic smile can work wonders! They are reminders that the steadfast love of God surrounds us in every circumstance, and that like Jesus we are never abandoned, even in our darkest moments. Loneliness had exacerbated the psalmist’s situation–and it does the same for us. Those who have a community of faith to stand alongside in times of trouble feel the active healing presence of God, and are forever blessed.
Thought for the Day: Where was my community when I was in pain?
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