Today’s Readings:
Psalms 142:1-7
“Attend to my cry, for l am brought very low. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than l. (Psalm 142:6)
Beatrice was a single mother of a teenager. One day, when she discovered that children in the church are not being catered for, she gathered them and started teaching them using her personal resources, this engendered jealousy from others who think why will she be the one doing such. Also, she was facing terrible situation at work, her head teacher and proprietress always see fault in her works no matter how she tried to the extent that she was terribly depressed. Beatrice couldn't put her life together because of the frustration in the church and at her place of work coupled with personal financial challenges of house rent and care for her girl. Her world was crashing right in her eyes.
The challenges faced by psalmist in our text could be likened to that of Beatrice. Let's highlight some of his challenges as written in the passage before us. The psalmist cried out to the Lord losing his voices (vs. 1). He was full of complaint and trouble (vs. 2). His spirit was overwhelmed and a snare was hidden secretly for him (vs. 3). He was totally abandoned by everyone even acquaintances, friends were not available for him in times of trouble (vs. 4). He was brought very low and being surrounded by persecutors who were stronger than him (vs. 6). His soul was imprisoned (vs. 7). The situation of Psalmist and that of Beatrice are not strange in our contemporary time, bad economy, insecurity all over the world, battles at home front, church and places of works are on the increase. Suicidal attempts and thoughts are also increasing. But in the midst of all these, are there solutions?
Yes, the Psalmist in verses five and seven cried out to God that he is his refuge and portion in the land of the living. He also prayed that God should bring out his soul so that the righteous will rejoice with him and blessings will be his portion. Are you depressed and your soul downcast, there is always help in times of trouble. Talk to God in the place of prayer. The burden you are carrying is not yours. He says, cast your burden upon me for l careth for you (I Peter 5:7). Come unto me all ye that labour and l will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Are you ready to be free from oppression, suppression and depression? Get down on your knees and pray the following prayers
JAMES ALADE
Prayer:
They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth forever
Oh Lord, l have tried to deliver myself and find solutions to my problems, but l cannot, help me Lord, in Jesus name.
I release my spirit, soul and body from every prison, in Jesus name.
Arise, Lord and deliver me from every enemy of my soul, in Jesus name.
Strengthen my hands and teach my fingers to fight and win, in Jesus name.
I shall not sustain any injury in the battles of life, in Jesus name.
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