Lifted

My Twitter feed is full of quotes from inspirational people. Somehow those I follow manage to come up with something amazing to say most days! One of my favourite people is Susie Dent, of Countdown fame. She tweets definitions for obscure words and many of them make me smile. Did you know that the word 'frobly-mobly' is the 19th century equivalent of 'meh', for when you are neither well nor unwell and are in real need of sunshine? An 'ultracrepidarian' (1800s) is someone who delivers their opinion on subjects they know nothing whatsoever about!

A few days ago, Susie tweeted the following: "A reminder today of the beautiful, rare word 'respair': fresh hope and a recovery from despair". It stopped me in my tracks - I love this word and everything that it means.

We all go through times when we feel disappointed, despairing and sad. We need to be lifted up and given new hope. Recently, when reading my Bible I was encouraged by a psalm that is familiar to so many people. So ... sit down, breathe and let the promises in this psalm speak to your soul. Let these beautiful words take you from despair to respair:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honour to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley,

I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You welcome me as a guest,

anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (NLT)