WHEN I was still hosting my radio shows with classical music on various radio stations, I was amazed by the number of individuals who sought to contact me after hearing not only the (wonderful?) classical music but also my inspirational words in between. Yes, I felt glad and honored to be on air and get the chance to share my passion for classical music with a great listener-ship. Once upon a time – already several years ago.
In total darkness are many people right now because of the pandemic and the number of cases increased to astronomical heights all over the world. Strategies against darkness? “Why am I so sad? What am I so troubled about?” (Psalm 42,11).
If it’s becoming dark, we usually turn on our lights. But, it’s still daylight. It’s a magnificent and wonderful day! The sun shines with might in the sky. The flowers are ablaze with amazing colors; the birds are chirping. – “Yet, why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled?”
We experience feelings as if darkness lies in our souls, and light cannot get through anymore. Yes, we make head or tail of it, because some really bad things happened in a couple of months in many of our life and surroundings.
Several wonderful friends died unexpectedly; a wish we had in our hearts never came true; all doors seem to be sealed forever; financial problems because of Covid-19 bother us and don’t allow the chance for three daily meals, and arduous illness seems to become incurable.
Why are we so sad? Why are we so troubled? The psalm’s poet voices out their innermost feelings and emotions during those times.
A very good friend (a very good one!) asked the following question: “How can you praise and worship this God, who allowed me always to get into a never-ending darkness?” Is my friend a dyed-in-the-wool-atheist”, who underpinned his opinion with even the Psalm: “Day and night I cry and tears are my only food; all the time my enemies ask me, “Where is YOUR “God”?”
I was trained how to survive such periods of life. . Be patient and pray. Yes, pray! Or: “Quarrel with your soul!” No, it’s not nonsense, it works.
“Don’t make such a fuss; get out of your dump and be happy!”
Or, read Psalm 103: “The Love of God”.
