At times we can feel overwhelmed with the circumstances of our lives. We may feel that we cannot even pray. We may even feel that, perhaps no help is near. But the Lord is full of kindness and goodness and he is standing by us to strengthen and hold us above what may feel like flood waters flowing around us. In today’s Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist says that he feels like an outcast in his own family. He received nothing but disappointment from those he thought were his friends. They had deserted him. His enemies even increase his torture by giving him poisoned food and bitter drink. And yet, in pain and despair he still trusts in God, believing that God will hear him. When we face difficult moments, do we trust God enough to wait patiently for his response? Or do we give into despair and attempt to sort things out using our human efforts alone? God is love. He is always near us and by our side. He will never leave us, so let us continue to trust in him.

PRAYER: Abba Father, give us the grace to persevere in times of trial. We place our trust in you. Amen.