When anxiety was great.....

Today's daily devotional reading, Psalm 94, (Encounter, Scripture Union) contains much lament about a world in which much is going wrong. It's full of questions: 'Why?, How long?' as the writer obviously struggles with doubts and pain.  Accompanying bible notes rightly say how we must never forget the biblical tradition of lament because questions like 'Why?' are as authentic as Hallelujah! Celebration is not the whole story.

Today feels as though we are living in a season of lament.  Already in several countries Covid 19 has brought death and destruction.  With everyone else we wonder what will happen as the UK prepares for its spread. I suffered a major asthma bout yesterday and immediately Carol waved a red flag.  Yes, it's passed but all this talk about being in the vulnerable age group with pre-existing health problems does raise anxiety. And some immediate hopes and plans have been dashed.  We have just learned that plans to visit our family in the US (who we've not seen for a year) and other friends have to be postponed indefinitely.  No more flights to the US.  So many other hopes like going to church and meeting up with others are threatened.

In the psalm there are two wonderful verses (18.19):

When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' 

your love, O LORD, supported me. 

When anxiety was great within me

your consolation brought joy to my soul.  

Carol and I repeated these verses to each other. 'How appropriate it is to hear this now,' said Carol.  Yes, our good Lord remains true to us in his love and consolation through our laments.