Of the one hundred and fifty Psalms, fifty-one including this one are attributed to King David. Psalms have been a source of calm and comfort for generations. A friend of mine once admitted that when life with her three young boys (very close in age) pushed her to the limit, she found solace in the bathroom … with the Psalms!

Some Psalms are very familiar. Even young people who no longer attend worship might still be able to quote Psalm 23 from their Sunday school days. This Psalm is often read at funerals to offer strength and peace to families who have lost a loved one.

Psalms are in fact prayers. Prayers that praise and thank God. Prayers that speak of trust and God’s love and mercy. They pass on to us words of comfort and reassurance.

We are currently in an unprecedented time in our lives. A time that the whole world is experiencing! The Covid virus affects every aspect of our lives with no end in sight.

As I have grown older, I have had more periods of anxiety than in my younger years. The virus has only intensified this. I worry about my husband’s health, my own health, my children’s employment, my grandchildren’s schooling and more. Speaking with friends I find that they feel much the same. In times such as these we really have to call on our faith in God to help us cope! Knowing this, I can reach out to hear God speak to me through scripture.

Psalm 25 is an example of God’s Word offering comfort in my anxious moments. It begins “I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.” It invites me to come before God with all my being, hiding nothing. It allows me to reach out with all my fears and vulnerabilities. It goes on to speak of my “enemies”. In my mind, anxiety is my enemy. I am assured that my enemies will be “put to shame”.

The words of David that particularly speak to me are …”Show me your way and teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” How can I go wrong with God showing me the way?

Yes, these words were written centuries ago, yet they still speak to those of us seeking reassurance in these troubling times. We are not alone and we can trust that God will lead us through. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Ever present God. Thank you for sending us your Word through the writings of King David. Thank you for the comfort they give us in times of need. May we through faith and trust discern your plan for us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.