We are approaching the one year anniversary of the pandemic hitting the state of Washington, and many of us are still keeping a strict quarantine. Some of us have gotten the first COVID vaccine while others are not eligible for another few months. Many of us have only seen our extended family on a computer screen, and we are craving hugs and time spent in person. For others, everything just feels heavy and grayish right now, and they aren’t thinking about giving things up for Lent right now because this pandemic feels like the Lentiest Lent that ever Lented.

I have found that the Book of Psalms speaks to me in times like this because at least a third of the book contains psalms of lament. These psalms start off complaining and petitioning the Lord to end the persecution, illness, pain, or captivity involved before ending by praising some aspect of God’s power. For me, it’s a reminder that things do get better and that my suffering (or the suffering of others) is temporary. I am also reminded that I can praise God in every situation… “even when it hurts”.

This devotional book gives you a psalm to read daily, a reflection on some aspect of it, and a prayer at the end. I hope that the psalms give you words to pray and remind you of the promise that God will deliver us from adversity.
Blessings to you.
-Jen McCabe