Give your soul a break

Hennie Symington

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Are any of you in trouble? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you ill? You should send for the church elders, who will pray for them and rub olive oil on them in the name of the Lord. This prayer made in faith will heal the sick; the Lord will restore them to health, and the sins they have committed will be forgiven. So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. James 5:13-16

The year is taking its toll. The newspapers of the past few months say it all. We throw up our hands in despair when we are confronted with the desperate need in our country, the unrest in our hearts and the drought in our souls. The result is that the need for spiritual care is overwhelming.

In our personal lives we are also struggling to keep and even keel with the anchors that previously kept us on course are wavering. Today people are constantly on the move, changing jobs, moving from one town to another or even countries, in search of greener pastures. In the process they leave behind their support systems and when that happens they become anxious and vulnerable. Even when you stay put in your familiar neighbourhood, it is often not the safe place you used to know.

We are also confronted with changes in our lives such as divorce, the death of a loved one, job loss, children who are addicted to drugs, ageing parents who need care and a change of work environment. People feel threatened by their circumstances. No wonder our souls are anxious and weary

We all want a place to tell our story. We need an ear to listen, not a feel good pill which people love to offer as a comfort in our distress.

Help others to help yourself.

Each one of us can provide spiritual care in his or her way. You can help by listening, by touching ,encouraging or comforting someone, even if you are the one in need of spiritual care. You might just discover new strengths in yourself while comforting others.

Lord when life just gets too much for me, I long for your comforting words. Let your light shine on me so that I know that you are there for me.