Thoughts for the Day

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart....
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted your name and your word
above everything.
On the day I called, you answered me,
you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord,
for they have heard the words of your mouth.
They shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
for great is the glory of the Lord.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly;
but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

When life is difficult try looking at the Book of Psalms. We might be finding it hard to cope financially, or struggling with illness, or worrying over some other adversity. It's tempting at such times to 'have a go at God' and to blame Him, but we need to remember that we (and the world) often cause our own difficulties. If we cut trees down on the mountain tops we can expect flooding on the plains, as it were! Psalm 138 reminds us to thank God for His help in the past, and in particular the way he has strengthened 'our soul'. So, yes, we need to ask God's help in the present crisis, and to give us the resilience to persevere when life is difficult - to strengthen our soul!

Lastly, we need to understand that God 'will fulfil his purpose' in us. This psalm is written by King David, perhaps as he looks at a battle-field, when the outcome has not been decided. Ultimately God, has a plan for each of us, and through His Holy Spirit we are a work in progress. When we're really struggling we should never forget that God's love has always been with us and will be with us tomorrow. In our prayer we can draw upon His strength to give us courage to persevere, and to find hope in the future.

Martin Luther during the Protestant revolution in the 16th century, prayed in this way: "Confirm in us, O God, that which You have made, and make perfect in us that which You have begun. To Your glory, may it be so."

Almighty God,
creator and designer of all things,
when we are struggling
may we remember that You
have always been with us,
helping us to get through hard times.
Give us the strength to persevere
knowing that Your support is there,
to fulfill Your plans for us.
Amen.