presence

There's no way really I could even begin to address the needs that most folk have. I don't even try to do so.

A couple óf instances today will show you what I mean. Two very different people and two very different sets of very human need.

Depression: and dementia.

These are, both of them, way too complicated things for me to be able to help or to heal. In fact, mostly I'm very aware of how I can probably do a great deal more harm than good by my well-intentioned efforts to do them good.

I'm neither a doctor nor a psychologist, so I don't have a clue about all of the underlying issues that there are 'behind the scenes' in people's lives.

So all I can bring is a presence. The presence of God.

Jesus, we're told, was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power, and went around doing good - because God was with him.

Presence. The presence of God.

That's what he brought. And healing then flowed from his life. Wherever he went.

That's all I can ever be seeking to bring. The presence of God.

That alone is healing. God once declared to his people - a long time ago: I am the Lord who heals you.

Into all the darkness there is in a person's depression: into all the confusion there is in a person's dementia: the presence of God brings a measure of light and a brief little glimmer of peace.

May that which was true of my Lord be true of me. The Spirit of God resting on me. The presence of God going with me.

And healing being given to others.