As I read the Scripture readings for today, Psalm 69 really stayed with me. When you feel down, you know how it seems like no one understands you, and no one has experienced the lows you are feeling? You can find empathy and a kindred spirit from over 2000 years ago. Just listen:
"I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me." (Psalm 69: 3, NLT)
What depths of sadness! This seems like it would be about a close relative passing, a cancer diagnosis, or something equally catastrophic. But wait...here is the next verse:
"Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies. O God, you know how foolish I am. My sins cannot be hidden from you." (Psalm 69:4-5, NLT)
This could easily be spoken by a teenager or young adult: "Everybody hates me. They are spreading lies all over. Yeah, I did some stupid things, I know, but geez..." The point here is that even though the Psalmist was feeling so low, they turned to God in prayer.
"Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me, and pull me from these deep waters." (Psalm 69:14, NLT)
God can rescue us from any situation we are in, and we just need to trust Him and ask for help. If you can't think of the words, turn to your Bible. The book of Psalms is full of many examples of emotional outcries, from joyous to full of agony. Websites like Bible Study Tools and Bibles Net.com can help you find verses for just about any emotion you might be feeling. Most importantly, know that you are not alone.