The life lived by humans is always in a series of choices that unfold before them. We are invited to always make choices about the life we want to live. As believers, these choices must be aligned with God's intentions and will. Unfortunately, the decision-making process often becomes blurred. Dazzled by various offers of pseudo-meanings from the modern world that wrap these offers with power, position, and wealth.

In this reading the psalmist reminds us of the true meaning of living in His shadow. God is the redeemer and liberator who offers the true meaning of life to those who depend on Him and live by His word. According to the psalmist, there are two types of conditions experienced by man. The first condition he describes as one who is lost in the wilderness (vv. 4-9). This picture represents people who have lost their direction in life, spiritual emptiness and inner dryness. Isn't that sometimes what colors our lives in this modern world? Where true meaning is difficult to achieve, blinded by other false and misleading offers. The only thing that can save us is to call out to God wholeheartedly and put our whole being in relationship with Him.

While the second condition experienced by humans is those who dwell in darkness and darkness. Like people who are imprisoned and shackled in agonizing conditions. They are the ones who rebel against Allah. Despising the advice He has given. So distress comes upon them. But that distress will disappear when a cry for help is made to God.

The two conditions above are often experienced by us. Being adrift in deep existential angst or downcast because of the wrong decisions we have made in life. Although the situation is different, the solution is the same. Asking for help, crying out to God, and relying on Him wholeheartedly is our way of anchoring our soul to His eternal and loving existence.