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Psalm 116:1-5 reminds me of Ephesians 1 on the blessings of Redemption, and the deep reflection on distress and anguish in Isaiah 38.
We may forget our God hears our voice and pleas. First, we suffer the thoughts of unworthiness from the weight of our sins and even question why God would love us. We always see ourselves as slaves and servants of God, but seldom in the lens that we can come as sons and daughters talking to our Father. Is there ever a time to speak to God as your Papa? There are lies which burden us with our wrongdoings and feelings of shame and unworthiness. But the truth is that God loves us unconditionally. He wants us to approach Him as His sons and daughters.
Second, we may project our feelings towards our Earthly fathers to the Good Father God. Our fathers may be emotionally absent or provoke us to anger. We called out to our Earthly fathers for help, and sometimes the only response we get is “I don’t have time for this, go bother your mother”. Some may ask: Why does my father not love me? Why does my father ignore me when I need him? Why does my father never make time for me? Why does my father yell at me? Some of us may become bitter and harden our hearts from reaching out. Some of us may even think of our fathers as a symbol we must defeat or as a person we need to escape from.
Despite our circumstances, our Heavenly Father heard our cries and saw our struggles. He chose us before we were born; He favored us when we were unfavorable in the eyes of our society; He forgives us and shows us the way out when we make mistakes; He is gentle with us when everyone is harsh towards us. Our Heavenly Father always inclines His Ears towards the cries of our hearts. May we not dwell in the pain and cries of this world, and forget to live out the blessings from God.
One last point of bitterness (or anguish): based on the writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery, he said: “…I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul”.
Prayer:
Dear God, I ask for intimacy with Jesus Christ. Give me the compassion to encourage others in their times of difficulties.
“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Please, Lord, save me!” How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!”
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4 Responses
Could the anguish that we experience in times of trouble be a blessing in disguise? How so?
A tree growing in the middle of the forest doesn’t get stressed by the wind and does not grow strong roots. Once exposed (timber harvest) to winds the tree is easily toppled in the next strong storm. We need those strong winds from time to time to keep our faith strong. Then; when we are out by ourselves….we can withstand the storm.
As I walk with Christ I know that the heartache, abuse and dysfunction of my alcoholism and drug addiction and surviving suicide attempts all were apart of him refining me for the purpose he made me for. It has made me a compassionate nurse and I am able to connect with the addicts and alcoholic and homeless he places in my care in a detox center. I get to be his hands and feet and he speaks through me. I get to share him and nothing is a bigger blessing when I am asked if I will do a prayer circle or pray over one of them. Through the years I have been blessed to see many attend our church and or Celebrate Recovery. It was rough going but I totally understand the purpose in the pain. Our God is awesome. Have a blessed day❤️🙏😇
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
— James 1:2-3
There is a reason for our troubles. God uses them to teach us and grow us. We can also use our trials to help others who are experiencing the same kind of trouble.
Struck by this note on Psalm 116 in my Bible: “Worship is a thankful response and not a replacement for what God has done.” I worship You-alone- dear Jesus, not only for what You have done in and with my life but just because of Who You are: Holy, righteous, sovereign, ever-present and merciful. Resting in His unconditional love and listening ear.