Dec. 14                            Psalm 40                               Christine Woodward

Psalm 40 resonates really well to me and my life.  There have been so many times in my life that I know I should be thankful for what I have, but I feel like I am still trudging along and not making much progress.  I am waiting for God to tell me what to do and I hear nothing.  I know God is there and I know he is carrying me at times, but sometimes I need more.  This year has been especially difficult for me with losing my mother.  I am happy she is in heaven and I have another angel, but I still hurt.  Most people do not know that I had a strained relationship with my mother for most of my life, and when I decided to forgive her I was able to have a new relationship with her.  It took many years and lots of prayers to find that forgiveness.  God delivered me from the hate I carried to a much better place.  I was able to have a positive relationship with my mom for the past 12 years.  I was able to help take care of her at the end, which was an honor and very laborious. I thank God often for my time with my mom, but I still pray for God to deliver me from my pain.  It’s okay to love and thank God but still need a bit more.  It’s okay to ask God for help.  Sometimes God sends us a church family to help us heal and remind us that we will always have a family who loves us. 

Prayer
Lord, I am here and I am in need of you. Lord, please help me and deliver me from my pain.  Thank you for listening to my cries.  Thank you for lifting me up when I am in need.  Thank you for loving me every day.