A psalm.

I recently had one of those days where something unexpected hits you - it just comes out of nowhere, like a wreck that happens because a car you didn't see was in your blind spot. It shakes you to your core, causes a level of anxiety that you hadn't felt in a while. Your bones shake, you can't compile your thoughts and the pressure on your chest feels suffocating. Ever have one of those days?

It's in those days that I usually look to the Psalms for answers. The word "Psalms" can literally be translated as songs, or praises. Most of the Psalms were written by David, a young shepherd turned King who eventually was on the run from his enemies, praying for his life to be spared daily.  The Psalms are honest, vulnerable accounts of exactly how David was feeling. Lines like "You, oh Lord, are a shield around me" and "Give me relief from my distress" are common lines in the 150-chapter book.

After the events of the day I described above, I wrote a Psalm of my own. It was in no way designed to be like a "song", but a cry from my heart to God of exactly how I was feeling. When I was finished writing, I felt strength, peace and God's presence. Is this how David felt after he wrote his psalms? Interesting how most of the psalms in the Bible, as well as my own, cry out to God, but by the end acknowledge His presence. The One who rescues always comes at just the right time.

God, please save me.
The waves crash over my head,
the ground beneath me is sinking.
I can't breathe, can't feel.

The pressure is suffocating.
The air in my lungs diminishing.
Rescue me, O Lord. 
Pull me out of this storm that has overtaken my soul.

My heart tells me you are there,
but I can't feel your presence.
Reach down & pull me out, Lord-
Set me on a new direction.
Give me strength to forsake what the world says 
and listen only to you.

Joy giver - restore my joy.
Great healer - heal my heart.
Bind together the pieces, for it has been shattered.

Lord, I trust in You. 
Your presence gives me warmth, wholeness, strength.
Your embrace so close, I can't deny you are there.
Thank you, Lord, for who you are and
what you call me to be.