Psalm 69:1-2

Psalm 69:1-23, (24-30), 31-38 • Psalm 73
Esther 1:1-4, 10-19 or Judith 4:1-15 • Acts 17:1-15 • John 12:36b-43

Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck.
I am sinking in deep mire, where there is no firm ground for my feet.

Sometimes the waters come in a tidal wave – sudden, monstrous.  It can be a death of a loved one, a betrayal by someone I trust, lies told about me I can’t refute.  The waters can be devastating.  Everyone knows and friends come to help, to pray with and for me.  They remind me of who God knows me to be and they help me heal.

But more often it is a private thing.  A gradual rising of dark waters.  A series of small and medium ripples. Tasks that need doing that I’ve put off too long and now feel guilty about.  A project uncompleted.  Something I need to do and I’m not sure how to do it.  A disappointment here, a worry there.  Worries at first about spouse, children, grandchildren, family.  Then the worry broadens to environment, pandemic, politics – and I have no firm ground under my feet. 

I turn it over to God – and grab it back!  I pray.  I take a small action somewhere.  I pray.  I talk with someone I trust.  I pray.  I make a plan and write it down.  I pray.  I can finally release the dam and let it flow to God.  I’m lighter.  I can see a way to firm ground.   I take a deep breath.  I give thanks to God.

And the next time – and there always is a next time – I am more sure that the firm ground of God is there.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
Psalm 73:23

Written by Jacqui Brandli

Praying and trusting that God has me by my hand.