One of Those Weeks

This week was one of those weeks where the world just seemed to be throwing everything it had at me and those around me.  I was working my tail off and couldn’t seem to get everything done, falling exhausted into bed every night, too preoccupied with the next day’s to-do’s to be able to fall asleep.  But that failed into comparison to what my friends faced.  A good friend told me of her struggles with infertility with tears in her eyes.  Another was told her cancer came back.  I ran into an old friend who was exhausted as she walked with her husband through the struggles with his declining health.  I could see the worry in her eyes.  In Psalm 20, David offers a prayer for the Hebrews facing “days of trouble.”  His words have been a renewing balm for my soul that I want to offer to those around me who also walk in days of trouble.  In those moments where life seems overwhelming, God offers us Christ’s endless love and hope.  While we may not see an easy end in sight, we can find rest and sanctuary in this promise.  The Common English Bible translates the first few verses saying:
I pray that the Lord answers you
        whenever you are in trouble.
    Let the name of Jacob’s God protect you.
Let God send help to you from the sanctuary
    and support you from Zion.
 Let God recall your many grain offerings;
    let him savor your entirely burned offerings. Selah
Let God grant what is in your heart
    and fulfill all your plans.
Then we will rejoice that you’ve been helped.
    We will fly our flags in the name of our God.
    Let the Lord fulfill all your requests!
 
May you find comfort in these words.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• How are those around you struggling?  How can you share the peace and hope of Christ with them?
• How are you struggling?  How can you embrace and accept the hope and rest that Christ offers you?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Who can we pray for that we know is facing a hard time? 
• Beyond prayer, what else can we do to show them we care?  Write a letter?  Call them? Bake some cookies?         

PRAYER
Lord, answer the prayers of those that suffer around me, those both near and far.  Be a healing balm for their troubled minds, bodies, and spirits. May they find rest in you.  In Christ’s name I pray.  Amen.