Consolation for the Soul

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:19)

Thoughts: Even people who are not anxious about getting the coronavirus are still a little more on edge.  If for no other reason, many other people are on edge.  I read today about the social distancing and how some see themselves at social distancing and mask police, while others police these police by asking them to keep their opinions to themselves.  That is a world on edge!  We live in a day in which hearts are melting at how fast our best laid plans evaporated.  Weddings, funerals, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, reunions, company mergers, introduction of new produce, ribbon cuttings, and so much more are just fleeting thoughts right now.  For some, just being able to make it- getting enough food, toilet paper, medicine, money to pay the light bill or the rent is hurting.  Our leaders try to appear confident, but it is fairly evident that everyone is flying by the seat of their pants.  We can find tape of every official or politician saying something in February that they regret in May- because who could have predicted our predicament? 
     But the troubles today- as tough as they are, do not compare to the troubles of the Psalmist.  He was living in a time when the wicked were ruling, and the widow and alien were not just isolated, they were killed.  They were saying, "The Lord does not see."  But God watches.  This is one consolation.  God may be patient, but He is not asleep.  The Psalmist writes, "Does He who formed the eye not see? Does He who disciplines nations not punish?... Blessed is the one the Lord disciplines.  You grant him relief from the day of trouble...When I said my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me."  He was consoled that God sees injustice and will not let the wicked win.  He also was consoled because the psalmist knew God did not forget him but His eye was on him.  This consoled him- soothing his sorrow and brought him joy deep down to his soul.
     When I was a boy, my father took me swimming at a small lake south of Columbia called Pinewood.  He would often go to sleep on the shore while I and my swimming buddies played.  But it seemed every time we got too rowdy, this sleeping giant would rouse and tell us to calm down.  Now, it was a bit scary, but it was also consoling that we may have thought he was asleep, but he really wasn't.  God is not dead nor doth He sleep.  He sees our misery and will console us with His love. 

Prayer: Lord, I am consoled that you are here and you care.  May I remember your watchful and caring eye.