I was one again doubting many things: God, myself, and my faith. I had spent a portion of the day criticizing myself for bad choices, and more time worrying about things beyond my control! As I briefly texted a friend, I was certainly living moment to moment because I was engulfed in chaos. Unable to sort things out myself, I wisely decided to consult God. I was partaking in the wonderful opportunity of adoration in front of the exposed Blessed Sacrament after mass, and I was perusing some devotionals I brought along. Flipping through one book, the following words caught my eye: "So what's worrying you today? Are you trying to take care of it yourself? Or are you praying Psalm 31?"
Taking the hint, I quickly looked up the psalm in question, and I smiled. It is titled, "Prayer in Distress and Thanksgiving for Escape." How appropriate. I recommend this for any time of stress and worry, especially the 2nd part, which begins, "Be gracious to me, Lord, for I am in distress; affliction is wearing down my eyes, my throat and my insides. My life is worn out by sorrow, and my years by sighing. My strength fails in my affliction; my bones are wearing down." ~Psalm 31:10-11 The entire psalm was a great reminder that 1) distress is not new and 2) in the midst of distress, one can and should continue to praise God.
Side note - verse 6a of this psalm, "Into your hands I commend my spirit," is referenced in Luke 23:46 when Jesus breathes His last. Helps put my stress into perspective :)
Lord, thank you for the beauty of Scripture. Help me remember that I can always find solace, direction, and love through Your Word.
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