INSPIRATION

THIS WEEK'S INSPIRATION

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 God,  life seems so bleak and useless right now.  I don't have any energy. I have no ambition to  do much of anything. I am really feeling down.  I feel "down on" myself and "down on" everyone  around me. Even as I pray, I don't sense your presence. I am going through the motions,  knowing that you are still with me.   I know that I am sacred and precious but they are  just words right now. I know that my life has been  worthwhile, full of many wonderful people and  experiences, much happiness and joy. I feel little  of this right now. God, all I can do is affirm the  goodness of life and try to hold on until the  darkness is replaced by your light and love.  Help me to spot the lies that my depressed emotions  are telling me. Life is good. I am good. You are good.  Grant me hope. My loved ones love me. Life will be  beautiful again. Soon, I will see the beauty around  me again. Soon, I will again know vitality and purpose,  happiness and love. Until then, give me the strength  and hope to survive this day.  Help me to smile and laugh, even if just for a moment.  Be my strength and salvation. I ask you to restore me  and make me whole. Fill me with the Word and the Spirit  that I might be recreated anew. I praise and thank you.  Amen. 
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 God Is Our Hope  God is our hope and strength,  a very present help in trouble.   Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved,  and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;   Though the waters thereof rage and swell,  and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.   There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God,  the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.   - Psalms 46: 1-4