“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all my being, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

I knew woman who prayed this prayer after she had suffered several months of severe depression.  Most people would thank God it was over.  She thanked God because of what she learned from the experience.

We can learn a lot from our sufferings.  For example, we can find our deepest strengths.  We can become more acutely aware of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities.  We also find out which friends will be supportive when we’re in need.   Going through such an experience and coming out on the other side can also deepen our relationship with God in ways that words don’t express too well.  For sure, it can make us softer with compassion; that in turn tends to make us more tolerant of others’ foibles.

God is always with us.  He is not just watching when we suffer.  He is an integral part of it.  So, keep your eyes and ears open and put your faith in the Lord.  Allow Him to teach you as well as heal you.  He will not fail to make good come out of suffering.  He has done it since He walked on the earth.

“Strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.”

Readings are Psalm 103:1 and Hebrews 12:12—today’s daily readings.  Picture is by Gustave Dore.  Public domain.  Retrieved from Wikimedia