Feeling a bit down today? Something has happened to bowl you over? This special Psalm (31) is just for you!

The Psalmist (Jeremiah? See Jeremiah 20:6-18) has problems caused by sickness, enemies, physical hardship, social rejection, slander, and conspiracy. But the Psalm is full of images of safety and security: list them! Fifteen times the Psalmist affirms his devotion to God's service. He commits himself - his person, his times, his trust - utterly to God. His message to us is: whatever life deals up to you, take heart and know that 'God's in his heaven [so] all's right with the world!'

Meditate: Think about your own life in terms of the problem-areas the Psalmist identifies. Then think about all God provides for you - also in similar words to those of this Psalm.

Pray: Perhaps you could write a prayer in your journal which has two columns to it. In the first list your problems, and in the second a praise-sentence against each, beginning, 'However...' or 'But the Lord...' Yes, Lord, my times are in your hands. Thank you. Amen.