If Not For You

Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

—Psalm 69:15-17 NIV

There are days when life floods me with so much responsibility that I feel one more need will break me—one more painful crisis will swallow me up. But when the pit of despair attempts to pull me into darkness, Lord, your spirit within my heart cries out to you. You pray within me the need that my mind cannot perceive—the spiritual answer that is beyond my mind to comprehend in moments of traumatic stress. You come, Lord, and answer me from the goodness of your love. You never hide your face from me. You answer me in the time of trouble when the weight of responsibility is so heavy. You reach down and lift my load upon your shoulders, and my burden is lightened.

Your great mercy turns to me again and again. Peace beckons in my pain, and summons me to continually pray with thanksgiving that you will handle what is beyond my ability. Lord, I lay my weakness upon your altar so that I may rise up in your powerful strength to walk through each day with a joy that sustains no matter what may arise. I am your servant, and you, my Master, direct and guide and handle and manage. With no weight but the joy of your hand upon my life, I serve in peace. I rejoice in the journey which would have engulfed if not for you.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher