February 28, 2005 Psalm 3

February 28, 2005 Psalm 3

Psalm 3:1-5 “Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, "There is no help for you in God." But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill.”

Have you ever been absolutely depressed? Not just the having a “blue day” depressed, but the weeks on end, can’t get out of bed, don’t even know why I continue to live, depressed? In the midst of those days it often feels like the whole world is lined up against you just waiting their turn in line to punch you in the stomach.

Years ago, I came across a children’s book that told the story of a boy named Alexander and his particularly rotten, no good, very bad day. One calamity after another befell poor Alexander. First the dog ate his homework (really). Then his favorite socks developed a big hole in one foot. Someone squashed his lunch on the school bus and they couldn’t go outside for recess, It didn’t get any better at home either because his mom had fixed liver for dinner (yuck!!!!). The day just couldn’t get any worse or so it seemed. His tale of woe continued right up until bedtime. Then his mother came in kissed him goodnight and said she loved him. Alexander decided it wasn’t such a bad day after all.

On the days when I feel like Alexander of the story, life is the pits. The whole world lines up against me and makes me wonder if even God can help. The child in me wants to go home to mommy and get tucked in with a good night hug and kiss to reassure me that all is well in the world for tomorrow will be a better day. The adult in me finds comfort in the knowledge that God is there. God hears our every cry and answers our every prayer and, especially when we don’t feel it, is there with an “I love you,” a hug and a good night kiss to make the worst day better. And all of a sudden, even the worst day isn’t so bad after all.

Thank you Lord for your loving kindness, you listen and hear all our cries and you answer each prayer. Help us see beyond our depression to the reality of a life with you. Still our hearts even as you protect us from harm. This we ask in the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Contributed by Anonymous