Honesty, first vertically and then horizontally, that’s the best policy.
“I will say to God my Rock, ‘Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?’” —Psalm 42:9
It’s been months of stress for many people during this successful but negative coup.
Hey, when you’re going through a time of stress and difficulty, do you ever feel like you don’t want to pray—or when you do pray, you feel as though you’re reaching a sky of brass?
The Psalmist (see 42) called out to God and got honest with him. Again and again he took his problems, frustrations, grief, mourning and pain to the throne of God. Smart, cuz God helps us in our time of need. And he can meet every need too.
Guys, sometimes it helps to write the prayer (like journaling it on your laptop).. listing all the concerns for Christ, cuz it’s slows the process down some. God likes it when we get specific in praising, thanking and asking.
Please don’t stop praying. Gettin' real with your first-love, your God, your very best Friend. If nothing more, go to the Lord with fewer words, with whispers and tell Him how much you miss Him.. how you feel, how much you long for the ultimate fulfillment of his presence. Ask him honest questions, he might answer you now..or later on. Tell Him how crushed you’ve been -- he’s still our living hope and he’ll meet you right where you are. At your point of need. Would you pray something like.. Lord, help our nation gone sideways. We need you gobs.
During times of extreme stress and hardship, or times of a bit less stress even, examine your own heart. No time for idols or miss-focus. Let’s remind ourselves of the acronym CURE:
- Call on the Lord (like the Psalmist did in 42),
- Uncover the hidden longings and hopes of your heart,
- Remember the goodness of God in times past -- he’ll be good to you again (recall how he's answered prayers for you and for others like in the Bible), and..
- Exhort yourself (encourage and edify yourself by meditating upon, by speaking and by praying God’s words. Remind him of his promises even though he hasn’t forgotten them or you).
Don't put it off. Now is good!
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" v. 2 (see whole context)
"When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me." v. 4a
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.” v. 5
“I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” v. 9
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” v. 11 fish4souls.org .. SeeNations .. Minister to those in cities too.
