The world cup rugby which began last Friday will grab all the sporting headlines for the coming few weeks. For the twenty countries taking part, it is a massive opportunity. Countries like New Zealand, Australia and South Africa will carry the favourite’s tag, while Ireland dares to dream of the ultimate prize. Rugby has a massive following and the world cup rugby will have a global audience of 3.5 billion with over 205 countries broadcasting the event. The eventual winner of this world cup is the team that seizes every opportunity and turns it to their advantage, despite massive knocks, tackles and setbacks. It will have the unique ability to turn a hopeless or difficult situation around to their advantage.

When it comes to spiritual matters, we too have that unique ability to turn a hopeless or difficult situation around. When we are caught up in such a situation, life is heavy, without energy, without edge and sometimes without purpose and meaning. In Psalm 53 an alternative is placed before us: “But I have God for my help. The Lord upholds my life.” The writer reminds us that we have God as our help and someone who holds all the broken pieces of our lives. There is a distinction made here. God is not the cause of the broken pieces in our lives but God does hold with love all the pieces of our lives including the broken pieces. The writer of this psalm claims that they would be completely lost without this spiritual presence in their life. This is where hope comes in. We need it every single day. We need to hold onto this inner conviction that we are not alone and that there is a purpose and meaning to our life.