Psalm 86
2020 has been a doozy, right? Many of us have found ourselves in a place of lack. We've been searching and keep coming up short. We've been locked in our houses and hidden behind a mask. It's been draining and leaving us looking into the mirror, wondering - who is this staring back at me?
Contrary to this reality, many of us have been in a place of bounty. We have feasted at the table of rest and even drank in the sweet waters of introverted bliss. We've loved the silence, the unknown, and rejoiced in the lack of spontaneous visits. Both rooms are places where God dwells, and we can learn about His nearness throughout the Bible. These emotions are especially highlighted in Psalm 86.
God, there's no one like you; there's no other god as famous as you. You outshine all others, and your miracles make it easy to know you. You are the one and only God. What miracles! What wonders! What greatness belongs to you!
Teach me more about you, how you work and how you move, so that I can walk onward in your truth until everything within me brings honor to your name.
With all my heart and passion, I will thank you, my God! I will give glory to your name, always and forever!
This type of praise is easy. When God showers us with blessings, it is so easy to say thank you. We want to live in those moments forever. We want to live where streams of abundance flow … when all is well, it's easy to say: "Blessed be the name of the Lord!" However, Psalm 86 doesn't begin with joy. It begins with David, a writer and musician, whose overwhelmed and stressed out. He finds himself crying out in a prayer of faith. He says these words:
Lord, listen to me … I am in deep trouble.
I'm broken and humbled, and I desperately need your help.
I turn to you in faith, my God, my hero; come and rescue me!
God, won't you pay attention to this urgent cry? Lord, bend down to listen to my prayer.
In this Psalm, we find our encouragement that our Christian journey is sometimes a mix of "the good and the bad." Blessings and darkness.
Stop for a second:
Where is God shining down on your life right now?
Take time to thank Him for it! Praise Him in all His glory!
Let's pause again:
Where are you suffering right now?
Thank God for that struggle.
Pray that you will be able to see His eternal perspective through it all. Trust in His perfect will.
During the good times and the bad. Is it easy? Certainly not, but I can at least try. Paul reminds us, "Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer and, in everything, be always giving thanks, for this is God's perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Praise God this week, knowing He is behind it all.
We would love to hear your thoughts about the good, the bad, and the ugly in your life. Reply back to comment on a prayer or praise in your life right now.