Thoughts for the Day

Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire,
where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
and the flood sweeps over me.
I am weary with my crying:
my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
with waiting for my God.....

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.
At an acceptable time, O God,
in the abundance of your steadfast
love, answer me.
With your faithful help rescue me
from sinking in the mire;
let me be delivered from my enemies
and from the deep waters.
Do not let the flood sweep over me
or the deep swallow me up,
or the Pit close its mouth over me.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Each of us has different worries at the moment. The Psalmist was threatened by enemies, 'more in number than the hairs of my head' he says. Today there will be people worried sick about whether they will have enough money to feed themselves; others will be terrified that if they get Covid 19 they will inevitably die; yet more will be fearful for their family; and some scared that their job won't be waiting for them. When we wake in the night these are the fears that haunt us, are they not?

The Psalmist though he is fearful for his life, asks God for help, but says 'at an acceptable time, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me'. We need to learn to ask God for help - help that only He can give - in His own time. For God always answers our prayers, but in His own way. And it won't come amiss to ask for His peace in our heart, before going back to sleep!

Friday 15th May, follow up thoughts

Almighty God,
You know our fears and worries,
and we bring them to you now...... (mention any fears here).
Help us to calm our minds
knowing that you are in control of our world,
and teach us to leave our fears in your hands.
Amen.