We are collecting wonderful stories from the congregation, as people share how the God of the Psalms who comforted and supported the writers in the storms, is the same God today, and he still brings us through today’s storms of suffering, fear, doubt and grief.

Could you share your story?

Here, Helen Rees tells her story:

I’m Helen Rees & I’ve been a member of Christ Church for several years.  I was brought up in a Roman Catholic home and feel I’ve always had a faith.  However, it took an Alpha Course many years ago to help me understand God’s great love for me. I am on a life long journey with Jesus.

• You’ve had a particular reason to turn to God over the last year?

Yes, about this time last year I developed a rash which just got worse and worse.  It spread to most of my body and took over every aspect of my life. I had never experienced anything like this before, the constant itching, at times burning rash, was horrible.  Night time was the worst, when sleep seemed elusive.  In desperation, I had nowhere else I could go, but to God.

• How did you reach out to God?

It was the first time in years, but I got down on my knees by my bed and as it says in many of the Psalms, & I am not ashamed to say, I literally ‘cried out to the Lord’.  I prayed asking to be healed, saying ‘Your Will, not Mine be done’, as Jesus had prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for His cup to be taken from Him.  Often a wonderful peace would follow and a few precious hours of rest.  Over time, what was thought to be chronic eczema, seemed to become easier to bear and I found great comfort in my night time prayers.  I also began a daily Bible app and this became my early morning routine, a Psalm, plus readings from the Old & New Testaments. I had many good Christian friends praying for me too.

• What did you learn from this experience?

I realised whilst God doesn’t give you a health issue, or any other issue, He is there with you in the storm and will always see you through.  Jesus himself said ‘I will never leave you or desert you’ and He hasn’t and never will.  I have learned that God’s Grace is sufficient for me.  I have a new confidence in bringing Jesus into my conversations with others. Above all, I have learned to rely on Jesus.

• Where are you on your journey now?

I’m pleased to say that in the last month, my skin has improved, the rash is virtually gone.  Praise the Lord!  Life feels like it has almost returned to normal.  I am still undergoing tests.  Whilst the initial diagnosis in how the rash presented, was chronic eczema, it seems the underlying reason is still not clear.  All I do know is that God is with me and I wouldn’t change what has happened to me.  God loves me so much, He really didn’t want to leave me where I was this time last year and I give Him all the glory.