1. Psalm 116 : 1-9
1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
This has really touched me this week, as it is the exact steps which brought me from the certainty that my only option was to take my life, to being brought to Plainfield and learning about Christian Science. I marvel often how it seemed like an insurmountable problem – to me, anyway – and yet once I called to Him it all changed very quickly and completely. That is always my benchmark now if an obstacle feels large: God delivered me from certain death, so this small thing will crumble as well!
It also has me thinking of how – in last week’s lesson – Christ Jesus asked for the “disciples and Peter.” (Mark 16:7) At first, I thought that it was such a kind and loving thing, to include Peter. And, of course, it was! But more importantly, I feel the ultimate message to Peter is the same as what I was given: “Alright, you got knocked around, but there is still work for you to do!”
I am very grateful that Christ’s Christianity includes hope, peace, joy, and purpose! Thank you!