Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Friday, March 24, 2006
(Daily Readings: Psalm 88, 91, 93; Genesis 47:27-48:7; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Mark 6:47-56)


THE PIT OF DESPAIR
By: Marilyn Eudaly

Scripture: "O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.
May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.
For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave.
I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength.
Psalm 88: 1-4

There are many ways and many times in life that we may feel as if we have been cast into a pit of despair. For those like me that have had to deal with an addiction, it is when we hit bottom. No matter what the pit consists of, there is a bottom that can be hit.

For me, I had some socially acceptable addictions; nicotine and food. Although I tried many times on my own to rid myself of destructive habits, I could not. The addictions were ruining my health. Poor health was taking my life away from me. I hit bottom when I realized that all my attempts had failed. I felt as if I was in a pit of despair and there was no way out. That is when I turned to the only one I could. I went down on my knees and prayed to my Lord to remove the afflictions. "Please God, show me the way up and out."

He did. He led me on a path of recovery that led to professional help and people with like experiences. I discovered my addictions were rooted in fear. Jesus Christ is the one who can calm all fears. Just as the story in Mark tell us he calmed the fears of the disciples, He showed me my fears and calmed me.

While in the pit of despair I knew about Christ. Now I know Christ and his love for me. He lifted me out of the pit. Now I have a life founded on trust, gratitude, unconditional love and acceptance. I have found deep and fulfilling friendships and new goals. I found a peace that passes understanding. It is Jesus Christ who keeps me calm in my storms and out of the pit of despair.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Today I am grateful to you for the life I have found through you. You lift me up before I hit bottom. You keep me on an even keel. Today I will allow you to be in control and I will accept whatever you have for me today. For today I know wherever I am is where you want me to be.

MARILYN IS A GUEST WRITER FROM THE DFW/AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION ASSOCIATION WRITER’S GROUP. SHE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL SERIES. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR HER INSPIRATION.