As I look about me and read the stories in the headlines, it appears many are in turmoil.  God is our protector.  God is our shield.  He is still there to comfort and care for His faithful children.  And He understands our weaknesses and our frailties. From the book of Psalms comes a wonderful and comforting lesson for those who are troubled about many things.     ~ E. L.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea:  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake the swelling thereof.  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy places of the tabernacles of the most High.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early.  The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:  He uttered His voice, the earth melted.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Come behold the works of the Lord, what desolations He hath made in the earth.  He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire.  Be still, and know that I Am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”    Psalms 46

At times life can get extremely rough.  The blues can sink us low.  We can feel so lonely.  The poet, no less human than the rest of us was caught up in this very human experience of melancholy when he wrote the inspired Psalm 102: 6-7.   He stated, “I am in trouble; ”my heart is smitten, and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread.”  Then he compared himself to three sorrowful birds:

“I am like a pelican in the wilderness.”  This bird is a striking image of grimness and loneliness.  Its solemnity and austerity are most visible.  David referred to it to illustrate his own depression.

“I am like and owl in the desert.”  The owl is known as a bird that dwells in solitary places.  Just to look at it is enough to give us the blues; and to hear its doleful cry in the night strikes a time of desolation within us.

“I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop.”   David watched through the sleepless nights.  Grief would not let him sleep.  He likened his state to the sparrow.  When it loses a mate it will sit on the housetop alone and mourn in sad bereavement.

All of this called for a conquering faith and a persevering patience, which he expressed in the last verse.  David survived and so can we.”      ~ Leroy Brownlow

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I Am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy and, My burden is light.          Matthew 11:28-30