Sometimes we think we have everything we need to make it through life. We are strong and determined (at least that’s the image we give to others and try to convey to ourselves). We have what we need. Life is rolling along, and we are relatively happy.

Then comes those times when we struggle to imagine how we will make it to the next day or week. Our decisions have caused us to stumble, our thoughts have gone awry, or our way forward seems to be blocked in every direction. We find ourselves in a very bad place. What do we do now?

I am drawn to the words of Psalm 73:1-3, 25-26 where the writer says,

Truly God is good to the upright,
        to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
        my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant;
        I saw the prosperity of the wicked…

These words suggest that we are not alone. Others too struggle as we do. At such moments we can find hope by reading what God’s Word has to say, like here in Psalm 73. It seems that it is at our lowest points in life, that God’s Word becomes the clearest and best. It is then that we reach out to God who loves us and cares for us, who lifts us up and carries us forward. As the Psalmist continues, while speaking to God:

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Our trio has been practicing a song called Home of My Heart with words written by Ellen Levesque. There is a line in the song that seems to repeat itself morning and night in my thoughts. It is “If I were a ship, you’d be the fuel that keeps me asailin’ along.” I love the imagery. I, the ship, may be beautiful or not, I may be big or small, smart or not, but ultimately I really go nowhere without the fuel of God’s guidance, care, and love to keep “me asailin’ along.”

PRAYER: God, you are the strength of my heart, the fuel that keeps me going. Direct me, hold me, carry me along so that I may find hope, peace, love, and contentment with you. Amen