“I obeyed. I started reading the Psalter. But I don’t understand anything!”
by Staretz Barsanuphius
Staretz Barsanuphius to a believer who was in despair and spiritual impasse.
An intellectual who was disturbed writes to me:
“I feel terrible. Externally everything is going well. My family is united and loving. My wife is good. What’s bad is that I have no one to open my heart to. That’s why I’m constantly mentally tired. My wife does not understand it. The children are small. What’s left form me to do? How can I get rid of this bitterness and mental fatigue?”
I answered advising him to read the Psalms. There, in Psalm 93, he will see the words: “O Lord, when anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul” (v. 19 BSB). Hold unto this verse. And resolve to read the entire Psalter. I believe, God will comfort you.”
Some time passes, and I receive a letter. “I obeyed. I started reading the Psalter. But I don’t understand anything!”
I answer him: “Staretz Ambrose in a similar situation gave the following answer: ‘You may not understand, but the demons understand it just fine. And they will flee from you.’ Read it, even if you don’t understand it. I don’t know what will happen, but I repeat: Read the Psalms. Every day. Even a little at a time. And the Lord will not leave you. He will come with His mercy. And He will help you. And He will comfort you. Forever.”
Source: http://trelogiannis.blogspot.com/2021/02/blog-post_66.html (in Greek)
Translated by F.E.H.