Like many people I have spoken to in recent times, every so often I experience that sense of weariness with the current way of life. The restrictions just feel as if they are lasting forever. Meeting on line is great but not “the same”, it’s second best. There is much to be thankful for and I feel cross with myself for allowing that sense of misery to get a grip. As with so many experiences and emotions, the Psalmists have also been there and there is a lovely recurring question and answer in Psalms 42 and 43;
Why are you downcast, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my help and my God. Ps 42:5
The psalmist asks “why” and we could jolly well tell him – it’s the 21st century, we are in a pandemic, there are awful things happening, but the psalmist doesn’t wait for an answer he just gives a suggestion that could be applied two and half millennia ago when there was illness, war, famine, and many threats to daily life, just as it can be applied today: Hope in God and praise him, my help and my God. We are additionally blessed with a knowledge that was as yet unknown to the psalmist, the presence of Jesus Christ, ever beside us.
I put this into practice as I went out for a run this afternoon. Crossing the garden in my wellies, changing into trainers at the edge of the road and then dodging slippy bits, but noticing the absolute beauty of the snow. Brief rays of sunshine made it sparkle, each crystal delicately formed, a gift for any eye that opened in wonder and praise. Just saying thank you brought a smile and hope and peace. My resolution for this week is to acknowledge the difficulties but to find something to say thank you for each day and allow that thankfulness to bring a smile.
Barbara.
Wyvis Churches 