This is a psalm I can pray when I am unsure of how I can help those around me who are in serious trouble. Sometimes it is financial; sometimes it is addiction; sometimes it's such a mix of illness, finances and stress. I have no idea which way is best for me and for them.
Day and night my prayers are a plea for guidance. Sometimes the answer I get is to do nothing; that they will have to figure it out for themselves. Other times, the answer is clear as to how I can be helpful.
I'm sure that most of you have been in similar situations. I know that most families have friends or relatives who suffer from addiction.
It doesn't matter if the addiction is alcohol, drugs – legal or illegal, food, cigarettes, etc. It's hard to watch when the person won't admit that they have a problem, or won't take help.
This psalm is also relevant when we are trying to make decisions about our future. I can remember worrying about college and which one is the better choice.
Would going to the one I really wanted put an undue financial burden on the family? Should I choose the local state school that would be a lot less expensive? Then there were job choices!
We've all been there in one way or another. Whether it's choosing who to marry, having more children, how to deal with an illness, or how we can best help those we love, we have concerns that are on our minds day and night waiting for God to give us an answer.
God does hear us; God will answer our prayers. Our task is to listen for the answer.
