Psalm 102:2 - Sending up an SOS

Do not hide your face from me
     when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
     when I call, answer me quickly.

There are times when there is nothing we can do but pray. We don't know how to solve the problem. We're not even sure what the solution is. But with faith in God, we know he hears, we know he sees us in our distress. We know he will take care of us.

Lord, thank you for the assurance of your help. Please be patient with us when we are crying out to you, feeling abandoned and hopeless. Amen.

Psalm 89:21 - God will take care of him

My hand will sustain him;
     surely my arm will strengthen him.

When someone you love is struggling, it is hard to watch. When you have hopes and dreams for them and you see some of those hopes and dreams falling away, it is so disappointing. But I have to remember, God is in control. He will sustain and strengthen them. He will let the things happen that need to happen. I am not in control of the situation and worry will not help. Look for the blessings within each disappointment and manage our expectations.

Lord, thank you for taking care of those we love. Please help them to reach out for your sustenance and strength. Amen.

Psalm 71:20 - Choosing peace in the chaos

Though you have made me see troubles,
     many and bitter,
     you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
     you will again bring me up.

This weekend I went to a Ladies Day with the theme of "Choosing Peace in the Chaos." I really needed this last night when dealing with home restoration issues. I allowed myself to get so down and depressed, until I realized, I have a choice of how I react to this. I have been working on seeing the blessing within every problem. The fact that I am having problems with our home restoration means I have a house. If I am complaining about my job, I need to remember what a blessing it is to have a job. When I am complaining about the struggles I have overeating, remember I am not struggling to get enough to eat. We will have troubles, but God restores us.

Lord, thank you for restoration. Please help us to choose peace in the chaos. Amen.

Psalm 13:1 - How long?

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
     How long will you hide your face from me?

Sometimes we feel like God has abandoned us. We have prayed and heard nothing. Things are not getting better. David felt like this over and over in the Psalms. In this psalm, he starts with this verse, but ends by saying "But I trust in your unfailing love" and singing God's praises (v. 5-6). God can handle our frustration, but ultimately we must trust and honor him in all things at all times.

Lord, thank you for listening to us, even when we are frustrated with you. Please help us to trust and honor you in all things and wait on your timing. Amen.