Whether it is because of gloomy days, or circumstances in life, there are times when we become worn out and run down. Because of this, our attitudes and even perspectives on life can become bleak or distorted. Rest assured that you aren’t alone in these feelings. We all face difficulties, frustrations and even opposition in this life – this is nothing new.
Before David became king of Israel, we find him on the run and afraid for his life. King Saul was jealous of David and sought to kill him. He was perceived to be a threat to King Saul because David was a war hero and highly revered in all of Israel. Imagine having all of those accolades and notoriety but still having to run for your life?! You would think that because of those circumstances David’s perspectives on life would have become bleak and gloomy, but they didn’t. He remained steadfast even while in hiding. Even amidst David’s trials he managed to have this perspective:
“God! Look! Enemies past counting!
Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,
Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:
“Hah! No help for him from God!”
3-4 But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.” (Psalm 31-4 The Message Version)
Regardless of what you might be facing today, there is hope!
Shout to God.
Cry out to Him.
He will hear you!
He will be your shield on every side of you as well!
No matter how dark your day might seem, God’s light can shine on you and bring you hope and peace! Cling to this! Seek Him out, and He will lift your head!
Prayer: Dear Lord, there are days when the gloom and stress of it all encompass me. Remind me of your very real presence in my life today. Shine your light on these sometimes dark circumstances around me. Strengthen me and be my shield. In You, Oh Lord do I put my trust and in Whom do I find my joy and hope! My Your will be done in my life today! In Christ’s name I pray these things. -Amen.
I am just one father, one parent – but I stand with this International Day of Girls because I know that we can make a difference for ALL. It may take years, but we mustn’t give up. We mustn’t quit on those who are currently voiceless and without choices in life.
In Focus
through it, but there must be a way for us to live this overwhelming victory in the here and now…and we do that by understanding it. In our understanding of what this life is all about – Whose we are and embracing the eternal here and now, we flip the script on what “living”is all about! When we change our perspective, we change the narrative of our souls. What I mean by that is – we no longer simply live for ourselves, we begin to live for Christ. Many times this is a gradual denial of self as we surrender to the will of God. It begins with the little things of life. Soon, as we allow these little spiritual victories to occur, we will be more inclined to seek out the larger “denial of self” moments.
Some of may be.
Stop The Lies
Be Honest.
Pray.
I am not a biblical scholar by any means, but I know that within my heart God certainly doesn’t need us. My control over circumstances and situations give ME power. My job, my ministry, the words I am writing right now…in the grand scheme of things, carries very little weight in comparison to a mighty Creator who SPOKE the Universe into being.
Pastor's Ponderings 