Reflection: Draw Close To The Lord In Tough Times

Look to the LORD in his strength;
seek to serve him constantly.

Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought,
his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.-Psalm 105:4-5 (NAB)

Reflection During Tough Times

For today’s reflection I opted to use a couple verses from today’s responsorial psalm.  I did this because the message that it gives us is very timely.  There is so much going on in the world.  Look around.  There is a worldwide pandemic, riots, and economic issues.  It is very easy to look at all this and and think the worst.  When that happens we get into a negative mindset and fail to see the good that may be going on around us.  I hope you enjoy this reflection.

It is in times like this that we need to to look to the Lord.  This Psalm tells us to “Look to the Lord and his strength”.  I can say from experience that this can be hard to do when things are not going well, but it isn’t impossible.  Look around you.  What have you been blessed with?  There are many things that fit in this category such as your family, home, or the air that you are breathing.  Money may be tight, maybe you lost your job, but look to the Lord and stay close.  Draw from the strength of the creator of the universe.  He is a relational God and loves you.

Personal Experience

I won’t lie.  There are times when I get dragged down by the circumstances of life.  Today’s Psalm also tells us to “recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought”.  There is always something that we can be thankful for.  A few year ago I was in a horrible car accident.  I hit black ice and I rolled by truck several times.

It is a miracle that I was not injured more than I was.  The kicker is that all this happened two months before my twins were born.  Yes I have some nagging, and sometimes very painful issues, from that accident.  There are times I feel sorry for myself, but then I remember the incredible blessings of those children that I lives to see.  Reflecting on the blessings of God brings perspective and allows us to see the good he has done.

Application and Reflection

Maybe you are reading this today and you are going through a tough time.  You are not alone in the struggle.  I am here with you, your friends, and our Lord is there.  He is will you every step of the way.  Draw close to him and remember the things that he has done for you.  Also reach out for help if you need it.  Christianity is a team sport and we are a family.

Saint Quotes

“If God sends you many sufferings it is a sign that He has great plans for you, and certainly wants to make you a saint.” Saint Ignatius of Loyola

“Courage, courage, trust in God who helps you in all things.” Saint Mary MacKillop

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” Saint Francis de Sales