Isaiah 9:2
“And the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
Today we find ourselves groping in the darkness. There is so much despair. We are facing losses; our grief is beyond description. There are family disfunctions, sickness that sneaks up on us or overpowers us, and deaths that wrench our hearts and souls. Then we add war and senseless killings, hatreds, fears, and pandemics. The skies of our lives become dark, almost impenetrable.
O Lord, why? Why?
My brother faced such darkness many times. He had awful physical conditions. He was accused of misdoings. His son died of a brain tumor. His wife died after a two-year battle with cancer. Whenever he was at his lowest point—when he was not sure he could go on—he turned to the Psalms. For instance, he would read the words from Psalm 31:
Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.
He found healing and hope as he delved into the Psalms. There he found the reminder of the goodness of God, and hope to live on. For instance, he turned to Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.
In your times of deep trouble, listen to the cries of the psalmist, hear God’s Love in their words of promise and hope. You are not alone.
PRAYER: Today, I pray with the psalmist, “Do not, O Lord, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever.” Amen