Meet a fed-up Barking Owl. I didn’t even know they existed! Dozing happily, the owl was woken up by the noise of the camera shutter. Never knew an owl could scowl…
Perhaps it was the lack of royalties…
It’s a common thing, getting stressed by life and “proper fed up.” Sometimes big things; quite often small or persistent aggravations build up a head of steam until we’re boiling furiously. Finding ways of letting off steam helps: but I think it’s the way we respond to the hassle that really matters. We do have a choice.
Being powerless to influence or control our circumstances is a serious cause of angst. This may be the constant antics and follies of politicians- or the endless question “Why?” by a three year old.
What gets you going? If it’s a “who” – how do you manage the situation?
One of the best sources of help is the Book of Psalms. As we read we can enter into an ancient yet familiar world; much has changed, but the human emotions and spiritual challenges are the same. David penned songs that reflected his good times- and others that groaned from the pit of despair. Israel continued the tradition of including ALL of life into national/personal worship. Reading these gems can lift our spirits and restore our faith. We aren’t alone, others have been “proper fed up!” and told God all about it.
Involving God by our own choice is the best response to life… Try reading Psalm 138, pausing to put your own circumstances in to the appropriate places: if this Psalm doesn’t fit, go exploring and you will find hope and help.
Psalm 138
A psalm of David.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
by all the honour of your name.
As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.
Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
and the power of your right hand saves me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life —
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me.
The Reflectionary 