Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred.
Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Psalm 25:16-22
Petula Clark wrote in her hit song “Downtown”, ‘When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go downtown’. Where do you go when you are lonely and troubled? Some go to parties, bars, sports, drug use or other escapes from reality. The psalmist says, go to God. For He alone can bring us out of distress, even when problems are bigger than our heart can bear. He is able to guard our soul, our very psyche, in such a way as we emerge with integrity. When God has done all this for us, we feel as if He could do it for everyone, even a whole nation. And He can!
Where do I go when lonely and afflicted? Do I turn to Him?
God, thank you for Your forgiveness and the way You rescue me from the distresses of life. While I am not aware of any enemies, I know I have them. Please continue to guard my soul, You are a better protector of it than I am. Please redeem my hometown Corona and this nation. Redeem us from all our troubles.
