Psalm 13 –  Find a quiet moment and read this Psalm aloud. 

 “How Long?” is a common cry in the Psalms.  We, too, find ourselves wondering how long we will be dealing with this pandemic.  I, like the Psalmist, have deep sorrow in my heart and pain in my soul as I look at our world.  I know you all do as well. We may not be facing foreign armies like the Psalmist, but we are indeed facing a difficult and dangerous enemy.  

The author of this Psalm feels as if God has forgotten him.  Who can blame him when he is surrounded by enemies on all sides?  However, as with many Psalms, there is a shift. In verse 5 the Psalmist writes, “But I trusted in your steadfast love, my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me.” The Psalmist knows deep down that God is not too far to hear his cry.  Because the Psalmist has trusted his heart shall rejoice.  He recalls all that God has done for him, and is able to remember that God will not leave him.  

It can be hard to find God in the midst of the suffering and chaos. Continue to pour your hearts out to God.  Sometimes all we can muster is a one word prayer: help, protect, come, heal, restore. These prayers can help us shift, as the Psalmist does, from our deep sorrow and pain to trust in God’s ever present love.  This ever present love does not mean we will not suffer or struggle, but it means that God will be with us through it all.  

I am praying for you all.  I love you.

Pastor Lori

Dear God,

I pray to you in my time of need. I have great pain in my soul and sorrow in my heart.  Remind me of your steadfast love, so that my heart may rejoice yet again. Help, heal, protect, come, and restore.  In Christ’s holy name I pray, Amen.