Daily Worship

Many kinds of darkness in the world are found

Norah Summers September 09, 2016 0 0

Psalm 69: 1-3

A Cry for Help

69 Save me, O God!
    The water is up to my neck;
2 I am sinking in deep mud,
    and there is no solid ground;
I am out in deep water,
    and the waves are about to drown me.
3 I am worn out from calling for help,
    and my throat is aching.
I have strained my eyes,
    looking for your help.

An old hymn said

“Many kinds of darkness in the world are found” –

 

loss is a kind of darkness

in which we struggle to find our way.

 

Today I am thinking  of those whose darkness is that of depression

or addiction –

who just don’t seem able to cope with life.

 

This is so difficult to understand – 

and for many,

difficult to show sympathy for.

 

A friend breaks a leg –

there will be cards and flowers and offers of help – 

 

a friend becomes depressed,

withdrawn,

rejects help –

 

patience can be strained.

 

Give us grace, Lord,

give us sensitivity,

give us understanding.

 

Thank you for all who work in the field of mental health –

to promote health as well as to heal the sick,

to support and encourage those whose situation is chronic 

or incurable.

 

Thank you for the comfort of reading the Psalms,

where despair is expressed,

feelings of anger are not out of order,

feelings of loss and rejection are recognised.

 

Give us grace, Lord,

to accept the surprising ways 

in which you bless the mourners.