June 13, 2018

Today you should read: Psalm 109

Psalms like 109 are hard for us to read.  David is distraught. He’s tired, frustrated and angry.  He’s being hunted down like an animal and he’s done nothing wrong.  You can read the emotion in David’s words. His prayer to God is basically: Kill them and make it hurt real bad!

Have you ever felt abandoned?  Felt like you were getting an unfair deal?  Like people were out to get you? Things were not going well – even though you had done your best?

I love my job.  One of the things I get to do on a regular basis is talk to and try to help people in crisis.  Sometimes it’s 3-4 in a day. Crisis is a relative term, but when you’re in it – whatever it is – it’s a crisis to you.

If you’ve ever been there – you can understand how David feels.  He’s exasperated beyond what he can bear. When you’re in that place, even though you know in your mind (and even fully believe) that God is good and kind, you may not fully feel that in your heart.

I’ve been there. I’ve walked through some dark times when I wasn’t sure where to turn.  Let me share some of the strategies I learned with you.

1.  Hold onto truth.  One of Satan’s number one strategies is to get us to lose perspective.  When that happens, we can come to wrong conclusions and make very dumb decisions.  Make no mistake – Satan will kick you when you’re down. Hold onto Truth – it’s an anchor – a compass that points to true north – it’s a rock to stand on.  
2. Stay faithful to reading God’s Word – even though you may not want to.  The Psalms are a GREAT place to land.  Read a couple every day and meditate on God’s goodness and faithfulness even if you don’t feel it.
3. Cling to God’s Promises – they will get you through.  Even if you don’t feel them, believe and claim them:

God is Sovereign – this means that God can do anything He chooses and that He’s in charge of everything.  That may be hard to swallow given your current circumstances but believe that God is good and He’s able to deliver you.

God loves me – more than I can even understand love.  His love is perfect and complete. It’s never ending and full.  God loves me!

God has a plan for my life – He’s not caught off guard by your circumstances. He’s not surprised or worried.  He’s carefully working out a calculated plan for your life. Although you may not understand it (or appreciate it) now, you will.  It’s for your good from the hand of a good God.

4. Stay in Community – I know it’s easier to pull away and isolate yourself but don’t do it!  You need people now more than ever before. Cling to those who know and live for God.  Listen to their words. Allow yourself to be loved and cared for.
5. Utilize Worship – We can only think of one thing at a time.  Right now, many of your thoughts revolve around your problem.  You dwell on it; it’s controlling your thoughts and your emotions.  Try worship. Put together a play list of the worship songs that move your heart the most; put in your earbuds and listen.  Allow your mind to focus on the goodness of God.
6. Cry out to God – it’s therapeutic.  It brings peace like nothing else can to cast your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:6-7).  Don’t hold back; share your emotions with Him, your sadness, your anger, your joy and your peace.  He can take it. Cast it upon Him, cry out to Him and leave it with Him.

Remember, you can become bitter or you can become better because of this trial.  Choose better! This may be one of the greatest learning times in your life. You may find that you are closer to God now than ever before and that you will emerge having conquered a giant and grown tremendously.  

By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor