My Wednesday morning Bible study group began meeting again and we picked up with Psalms 38-40. In Psalm 38, David is suffering and v.11 describes how his friends and family stand off, unwilling to walk through the valley with him. His enemies seize on the opportunity to step up their attacks on him, and in v. 17 he says, “I am ready to fall.”
While reading and discussing the psalm, I asked how do we as the church, how do I as an individual, respond to people in crisis? I read a couple of books this week (which I’ll discuss more tomorrow), and even though they were fictional, they point out the truth that we are surrounded by hurting people. Most folks hide it, and most of them have no idea what to do or where to turn while we sit on the answer. It’s hard and it’s messy getting involved in the lives of others. Sometimes, it’s frustrating and thankless, but it’s also an opportunity like no other. By stepping in to help the hurting, we get to have a part in redeeming that pain and suffering.
I’ve been on both sides of a crisis, and I know how difficult it can be to open up and admit that things are out of control. I’ve had that trust violated, and in some ways that pain is worse. I’ve also had grace and mercy showered on me. In several instances, I can trace the origin of healing back to the point of seeking help. I take it as a high honor to be invited into someone’s pain. To be trusted that deeply is almost like entering holy ground.
God, help me not stand back, but be an agent of Your grace and compassion.