Have you ever...

From Psalm 31, (NIV)Some people view the Bible as an old "dead" book with no relevance today. Psalm 31 is a petition from David to the Lord. It speaks to us today.Do you ever feel that no one knows your pain? That no one cares? Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. Do you ever feel that you have no one to go to with the challenges you face?v. 9 Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.Have you ever felt that your body was in active rebellion and that there was no one to understand?v. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.Have you ever felt forsaken?v. 12 I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.Have you ever felt there is nowhere to turn and no one to trust?v. 14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."Have you ever felt your life is just a random event?v. 15 My times are in your hands;Have you ever wondered who or what can save you?v. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.Have you ever cried for help yet felt far away from God?v. 22 In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.Have you ever wondered where can you place your hope?v. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.Prayer: Father God, Your Word is amazing. When the world fails us – You are there. When we are challenged beyond what we feel we can take. You are there. When we need a place of refuge. You are there. Thank you for Your understanding, Your promises, and Your unfailing love.Amen. ABOUT THE AUTHORdeni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple illnesses (Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest prayer that some of her lessons might be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at denipath4change@yahoo.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com .