Psalms 37-39

Psalms 37-39 - Click to read.

Recently, I was speaking with a young woman who had experienced some real challenges in her young life. It was certainly more than what I think anyone at age 31 should have experienced. Three weeks after her second daughter was born she witnessed a near death experience in an accident committed by her husband, Those event eventually led to the tragic heartbreak of divorce, three years in prison due to an emotional outburst and assault on her ex-husband, and the challenges of later reintegrating back into society, getting a decent job, and supporting two beautiful daughters. I spoke with her as she wept. She felt unloved and alone explaining her feeling of how no one really cared for her. Sadly, she was believing something that was NOT reality for her. Pity has a way of making us live in and think according to a BIG LIE.

After further speaking with her, it was discovered that what she was experiencing was not based in reality. The facts were: she had two loving parents and siblings her loved her deeply and were always there for her, she was surrounded by a large loving family, she had a good job that paid the bills, and best of all had two beautiful daughters that brought resounding joy to her life. Even beyond that, she had a God that loved her infinitely and a Heaven to gain one day. There was plenty to rejoice in! However, like so many people, she saw past the many blessings in her life to focus on the few little things that bothered her.

What about you? Are you doing the same thing?

In Psalms 37, David talks about this very subject.  I love what he says in this chapter:

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord,  trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."

This woman was so focused on her few problems that she was totally unable to rejoice in the Lord. She felt cheated out of things - things that were brought on to her as a result of her former husband's actions. What she needed to do was close the door to the past and move forward. I know it's easier said than done - way easier. However, it's true! And, you must begin to lift up your eyes and look on reality and see ALL the good the Lord has given you!

Here''s an exercise for you when you feel down. Begin listing all the things that hurt. Then, list all the good God has given you. You'll soon find the list of blessings much longer than the list of the few things that bother you.

God wants you to trust Him and delight in Him, and know that He has everything under control. In this passage also comes a promise. The promise is - if you'll commit your way to the Lord and simply trust Him during tough times, He will reward you and vindicate your situation.

In Psalms 38 and 39, David discusses the anguish over his sin and brings it before the Lord. He begs God not to be deaf to his prayers. He's seeking forgiveness and feels so badly over the sin he's committed that he fears God will just turn his head away from him and leave him at the mercy of his enemies.

I love how David expresses the raw emotion he feels over his sin:

"For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many have become my enemies without cause those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior."

Can you relate? When you read on after chapter 39 you'll see David's rejoicing in God's answer to prayer and the forgiveness he experiences from the Lord.

You may feel overwhelmed today by things. But, know this - God understands, He loves you, He's with you, and He's given you A LOT to be thankful for!