VICAR

Over the next few weeks, Dear Readers, I’ll be leaving you a pick-me-up each Sunday.

Why?

Because it’s the time of year when, after Christmas, people get down and depressed. The weather is grim. People have overspent on Christmas and many are faced with debts. People start diets they don’t enjoy at all. And families are under strain across Britain.

When I experience personal strife, I often turn to Psalm 31.

Here it is for you, Dear Readers.

Have a Blessed and Peaceful Sunday.

 

Lord, I trust in you;

    let me never be disgraced.

    Save me because you do what is right.

Listen to me

    and save me quickly.

Be my rock of protection,

    a strong city to save me.

You are my rock and my protection.

    For the good of your name, lead me and guide me.

Set me free from the trap they set for me,

    because you are my protection.

I give you my life.

    Save me, Lord, God of truth.

I hate those who worship false gods.

    I trust only in the Lord.

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,

    because you saw my suffering;

    you knew my troubles.

You have not handed me over to my enemies

    but have set me in a safe place.

Lord, have mercy, because I am in misery.

    My eyes are weak from so much crying,

    and my whole being is tired from grief.

My life is ending in sadness,

    and my years are spent in crying.

My troubles are using up my strength,

    and my bones are getting weaker.

Because of all my troubles, my enemies hate me,

    and even my neighbours look down on me.

When my friends see me,

    they are afraid and run.

I am like a piece of a broken pot.

    I am forgotten as if I were dead.

I have heard many insults.

    Terror is all around me.

They make plans against me

    and want to kill me.

Lord, I trust you.

    I have said, “You are my God.”

My life is in your hands.

    Save me from my enemies

    and from those who are chasing me.

Show your kindness to me, your servant.

    Save me because of your love.

Lord, I called to you,

    so do not let me be disgraced.

Let the wicked be disgraced

    and lie silent in the grave.

With pride and hatred

    they speak against those who do right.

So silence their lying lips.

How great is your goodness

    that you have stored up for those who fear you,

that you have given to those who trust you.

    You do this for all to see.

You protect them by your presence

    from what people plan against them.

    You shelter them from evil words.

Praise the Lord.

    His love to me was wonderful

    when my city was attacked.

 In my distress, I said,

    “God cannot see me!”

But you heard my prayer

    when I cried out to you for help.

Love the Lord, all you who belong to him.

    The Lord protects those who truly believe,

    but he punishes the proud as much as they have sinned.

All you who put your hope in the Lord

    be strong and brave.