Downcast

When I ‘m body-weary, spirit-spent
Not looking up but downward bent
A pain-filled mind, bitter with grief
Loathing life; no self-belief
An ocean of tears; a descending spiral
Feeling like death, no hope of revival
Thinking myself of little worth
Constantly rueing the day of my birth.

When I’m deeply discouraged, my heart is breaking
I’m full of fear; my whole body is aching
In a tumult of a raging sea
With waves of terror crashing over me
I really have nowhere to go

I cry out from the deepest place
It’s then God comes; shows me His face
And I know for sure that it is Him
Because the place that was so dark, so dim
Is suddenly flooded with brilliant light
And there’s an end to my long, black night
I see the sun rising in the sky
Have my hope renewed and wonder why
I didn’t cry out sooner.

Psalm 42

Ruth Jessup

Overflowing Supply

I’ll be very still
For in the quietness
I know I’ll find
My strength renewed
Peace of mind
Courage to continue.

When I long for the morning
To see day dawning
In the depths of despair
I am sure He is there
So I’ll count on the Lord
Put my hope in His Word
Know His unfailing love
Overflowing supply of salvation.

Psalm 130

Ruth Jessup

Trust In The Dark

Darkness is intensely closing in
Hopes and dreams are dying
Meaninglessly circling round and round
All the pain and suffering denying.

In all the distress and anxiety
Almighty God often gets the blame
Yet when I’m as low as I can get
Jesus says, “Just call on my name.”

For my name has power to raise you up
Restore you and set you free
Don’t let your heart be troubled
Trust in God; trust also in me.

The Holy Spirit will sustain you
While I’ve gone away to prepare
A wonderful home in Paradise
That one day with you I’ll share.

I soon will return to fetch you
So that you will for ever be
With Me and with Father God
Surrounded by love in eternity.

John 14:1-4

Ruth Jessup

Fog and Bog

I was walking through a fog
Feet sinking in a bog
When to God I shouted out
“Please Lord get me out”
He reached me His hand
Pulled me out; helped me stand
Shed light on my way
My night was turned to day.

Ruth Jessup

Call Out

Are you troubled?
Feeling low?
Perhaps near despair?
Where to go?

Just call out
God is there
He knows you well
Understands; cares.
Can clearly hear the faintest cry
Even your unspoken sigh.

He is never, ever faraway
Can always hear if you pray.
He will give you your heart’s desire
Has promised never to forsake
Love you. – unconditionally
For His own name’s sake.

Call today
He’ll show you the way
Trust Him to lead
To green pastures new
He’s interested in all you do.

Ruth Jessup

Feelings

When you’re feeling really low
Don’t know what to do, where to go
Call out to God, He’s always there
Always listening, ready to hear your prayer.

Friends may help but don’t fully understand
Your deepest thoughts and emotions and
It gets very tiring when you try to explain
How you are feeling again, again and again
Whereas God, who knows you inside out,
Understands, before you say, what it’s all about.

So in your distress ask Him to give
Fresh hope in your heart to help you to live
Every day with peace and joy in your soul
Looking toward a purposeful goal
Then you’ll suddenly find you’re no longer depressed
Have a spring in your step; realise you are blessed.

Ruth Jessup

Daleth

Completely discouraged
When low in the dust
Revive me by your Word Lord

Weary with sorrow
Weeping with grief
Comfort me by your Word Lord

When making my plans
Help me understand
May I meditate your commands Lord

I will always hold fast
Keep me from shame
Strengthen me by your Word Lord

Lord, I choose your way
Set my heart on your law
Help me appreciate it more and more.

Psalm 119:25-32

Ruth Jessup

Open The Bible

Are you in the middle of despair?
Go to the Bible
You’ll find help there
Words that will comfort
Heal wounds of the past
Give hope for the future
Joy that will last.

God’s Word will release
Your dormant potential
Give a new zest for life
A witness that’s powerful.

So open the Bible
For in it you’ll find
An effective therapy
That will renew your mind.

Ruth Jessup

God’s Love & Grace

However down I might feel
However difficult I find it to pray.

Whenever I stumble or fall
Whenever I’m distressed by some trial.

Whatever doubts or fears I have
Whatever the time of night or day.

Wherever I am, in view or hiding
Wherever I am, with friends or alone.

God is always there with me
He will never leave me alone.

Nothing can ever separate me from His love
And His grace revealed to me in Christ Jesus my Lord.

Romans 8:35-39

Ruth Jessup

Pain

You are not alone
God knows your pain
Your suffering, shame
Consider Him
Who knew no sin
The abuse, brutality, blame.

As He is with you
In your despair
He also wants you
To fully share
In His resurrected life.

Ruth Jessup