Place of springs

Words have also spoken to me. There is so much beauty and power in the language of words, whether verbal or written. They can evoke rich images, call forth intense emotions and invoke strong responses. They can bless. But they can also curse. And hence, should be used judiciously. Words spoken out of anger or malice will poison the atmosphere, which even true remorse is unable to repair. A faint scar remains behind, even after the wound inflicted has long healed. Conversely, words of love and affirmation are like water to the thirsty plants of our souls, allowing them to grow upright and burst into flower.

Some of the most beautiful language I’ve encountered lies within the world’s most popular ‘book’ – the Bible. It is, after all, the inspired Word of God. I find it quite amazing that Jesus speaks to me so meaningfully today through words that were passed down through the centuries, first by oral tradition, and later in written records. Somehow, He meets me at the very point of my struggle or triumph, my sorrow or joy. What’s more, He is able to infuse a wealth of meaning into a few chosen sentences so that a certain passage of Scripture can take on different shades of colour each time I meditate on it.

The Book of Psalms ranks among my favourite reads as this collection of songs emotes so beautifully the various postures of prayer one can take, be it praise, adoration, thanksgiving, lament or repentance. Through the Liturgy of the Hours*, I’ve come to love the poetry and symbolism found in the Psalms, as I make the words my own, applying them to my daily life. One I especially love is Psalm 84, in particular, verse 7:

“As they go through the Bitter Valley
They make it a place of springs,
The autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They walk with ever growing strength,
They will see the God of gods in Sion.”

It is alive with imagery that gives hope and courage to persevere. As we journey through seasons of darkness and hostility, we can choose to transform it into something pure and life-giving. Drawing on faith that gives strength, and the ability to see the bounty and bear fruit even in the heart of darkness.

Setbacks, disasters, catastrophes, trials, these are hallmarks of human suffering. But we are given the freedom to choose how we respond to them. We can either give in to despair and respond in bitterness, or we can choose to rely on Him to be the light, even when we are lost and groping around in the dark, and gain something good from our suffering.

“Lord, God of hosts,
happy the man who trusts in you!”

*The Liturgy of the Hours is the Catholic Church’s official daily prayer, whereby the hours are consecrated to God. It is prayed either in a group or individually and involves praise, thanksgiving, lament and intercession in Christ’s name and in communion with Him. At the heart of the Hours is the Book of Psalms.