The Lord’s My Shepherd—For Sure?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, April 11, 2015

The Lord’s My Shepherd—For Sure?

Those words from the hymn printed in the Scottish Psalter move me deeply. And today, when they were printed for me to read in the liturgical daily prayer book, I zeroed in on one particular verse. Or rather, a portion of a verse: “Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale/Yet will I fear no ill; For Thou art with me.”

No matter what, God is with me. I have dealt with some difficulties in my life. Yet, God remains there, to help.

I have had several acquaintances die in the past number of weeks. Recently, I talked with one good friend of mine who just had a loved one die. I asked how the rest of the family was doing as they dealt with the passing, and got filled in. I’ve been privileged to talk with those who mourn quite a number of times in the past, so I sometimes recognize the difficulties in speaking of a recent death. The death of my friend’s loved one was particularly drawn out, and particularly difficult.

God can be with us, holding us in God’s everlasting arms of care and concern. I believe this. Yet, sometimes, I don’t feel God, anywhere.

Where are You, God? I’m scared, and I’m alone. Plus, I don’t know what to do or where to go. What now?

It’s sort of like the sun. Even though the sun is behind dark clouds, I know the sun is still there. Even though I can’t see the sun, I can still feel its heat, still see its faint light.

Even though the weather here in the Chicago area was horrible on Thursday, I still knew the sun was there. Through the dark clouds, even though it was pouring rain most of the day, I was thankful that the sun was a constant in my life, and the lives of the others. Just like God, even though I am not always able to see—even sense—God.

Gracious God, thank You for everything You’ve given us. The knowledge and awareness of Your presence with us, even when You are hidden. You are faithful, and You are there to help. Thank You, God. In Your grace and mercy I pray, amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

Prayer When All Looks Dark

matterofprayer blog post for Friday, September 5, 2014

Prayer When All Looks Dark

Dark clouds, black as night! But it’s the middle of the afternoon . . .

We had a cloudburst here in the Chicago area today. This afternoon, to be exact. I sat in my office and watched the torrential downpour happen for some twenty minutes.

Before the rain started, I could look west and see the clouds roll in. The dark clouds, almost black, heavy with rain. The trees and bushes rustled, waved in the rising wind. Then, twisted and turned. Drops started to fall. And then fall harder. In less than no time, sheets of rain pounded the pavement outside my window.

Isn’t that the way it is, sometimes? I mean, life. “It never rains, but it pours,” is one old saying I remember. Things pile up. Or, pile on. In a very short amount of time, sometimes, life becomes too full. Too chaotic. Too much. Too deep. What then?

Is God around? Can God hear me? Does God even care about me?

Torrential downpours happen in many people’s lives, not only affecting them, but affecting their loved ones, too. Sure, when employment or school or family situations crop up, that can be devastating. But, when emotional or psychological issues rear their heads? That can be even more traumatic. Because people often frown upon what they consider signs of weakness or ineptness. Tendencies toward isolation or depression or anxiety.

Yes, God is our ever present refuge and strength! Please, don’t forget this! God will be our very present help in times of trouble and need! God is always ready and willing to be there for us! But just as we go to doctors when we have a broken arm, or call an appliance repair person when our refrigerator needs fixing, so there are good people, trained professionals who are ready and willing to help with psychological and emotional needs, too.

That downpour in our lives can be stopped. You and I can get on the road to better psychological, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. (Often, physical health can be a concern, too. Check on it, too.)

Today is September 5, 2014, the day after NAMI’s annual conference in Washington DC marched on Capitol Hill and launching an outreach on social media, including Twitter and Facebook. (#Act4MentalHealth) Thus, I am encouraged to open up, writing about my difficulties with depression. I am speaking out with my message of walking through the dark places, and coming out the other side. God willing, many people will speak out. Not be ashamed.

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, gracious God, we thank You for being our refuge and strength. We ask that if we know anyone who is having difficulty with a downpour in their lives, than You help us to be a support and strength to them. Thank You, God, for loving us. For caring for us. And, for giving us Your comforting presence, no matter what. Amen!

For more information, here’s NAMI’s website: http://www.nami.org/

NAMI’s contact information: NAMI, 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, Va 22203

NAMI’s telephone numbers: Main: (703) 524-7600, Fax: (703) 524-9094, Member Services: (888) 999-6264, Helpline: (800) 950-6264

@chaplaineliza

(also published at www.matterofprayer.net