We've been talking about trusting God. For a moment, let's choose to not trust God. Let's believe that we have to figure life out on our own, fix our own problems and, together with our girlfriends, rescue the world. Can you imagine how little sleep we'd get and, more importantly, how many wrinkles? Even with God we often struggle to sleep through all the concerns on our minds.
I spent time recently with a woman who is struggling to solve her husband's health problems, struggling to run the family business without him, struggling to care for an ill relative, all the while worrying that her clean house isn't clean enough. Where is God in all of her struggles? "He is actually not far from each one of us, for 'In him we live and move and have our being'" (Acts 17:27b-28).
I am not minimizing my friend's hardships, rather pointing out that she does not have to bear them solo. Just read Psalm 147 to see the severity and kindness of God. He is so good to the broken-hearted. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (vs. 11) She is missing the comfort and help that knowing the Lord and trusting his goodness supplies.
We can read many of the Psalms to see how David poured out his complaints to God and there found rest. Psalm 131 is a lovely example, as are Psalm 62 and 130. ("O Israel [and by extension and salvation, believers!], hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption." Psalm 130:7)
When we choose to go it alone, we choose to deprive ourselves of the only hope that is real and the only comfort that is satisfying and complete. Dwell for a time in the Psalms and there find anew the God who can be trusted.
What Psalms have you found particularly helpful in your daily stresses?
Psalm 37 has been a blessing to me both during a time of special difficulty and daily living. When reading this Psalm I hear words like trust, wait, do good, fret not...all messages I need to hear and obey.
ReplyDeletePsalm 73 helps me to focus on who God is in times when I'm fearful of life circumstances. Verses 23 through 28 especially help me to rest in him and to take my eyes off of my own fears. "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." (vs.28)
ReplyDeleteThose are such wonderful Psalms for reminding us to remember God in the midst of fearful circumstances in our lives, and there is much to fear in this world. But God is greater, and God calls us to remember him and his mighty works in our midst. Thanks for posting! "Oh my God, you are very great!" (Psalm 104:1) should be our daily prayer.
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