PSALM 107
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their calamity;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunkards
and were at their wits’ end.
I love expressions that speak about exasperation. Things like: I’m at my wits ’ end, I am fit to be tied, my pot boils over and I have too much on my plate. There are so many good expressions that convey this same sense of being overwhelmed and done. From pots to plate to our very wits, being a human can be very hard sometimes. We all get to a place from time and again when we are just annoyed, overwrought, and exasperated at the world around us or at others. It could be small things that build up over time or it could be a large event.
I always take comfort when the scriptures reflect our human emotions and feelings. Somehow knowing that I am not alone in the history of humanity in my feelings and emotions somehow brings me comfort. We are not the first or the last that have felt overwhelmed. And this passage points to our faithful response. Even in times when our courage feels lost and melted away, even when it feels that we have tried everything, God is there with us in all our lostness. God is listening and cares about us from the ends of our wits to the tips of our toes. So the next time you are feeling overwhelmed and fit to be tied, take a deep breath. You are not alone but have faithful friends that have felt the same way. And, take comfort in knowing that Emmanuel, God with us, is ever present in our hearts and wits.
Prayer
God of patience, we come to you when we are at our wits’ end. Even when the things of this world are frustrating and exhausting, we know that you give us courage and strength to face them. Please help us find patience, hope and love and continue on the path. Amen.