PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 102
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“For you have taken me up and thrown me aside.” (Psalm 102:10)
This is not one of the verses that people memorize.
You won’t find it on inspirational cards or gift mugs.
The psalmist is being brutally honest – this is how he feels.
God inspires him to record his honest thoughts, even though they are untrue.
God has allowed us to see into the soul of a struggling believer.
Someone that hangs on to God for hope, but is feeling no hope.
I have met many people like this, and have felt this a few times too.
It’s nice to know that God allows them to feel and express their feelings.
Sadly other believers are not so patient and kind with those who lament.
In their piety they rebuke those who complain or question God.
They tell them that it is their sin, not God, that is hurting them.
They say that if they had faith, they would not feel that way.
God does not treat us this way; like Jesus God is gentle with those who struggle.
“A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matthew 12:20)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the freedom to be honest with you, and for your patient love. May those who feel far from you somehow experience your comforting presence as they pour out their soul to you.
My days are limited without God. Connecting with God through Jesus changes everything. God is eternal “My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.” Knowing Jesus is the way to eternity. What does God have in mind for me to do in eternity? I don’t know, but I do know that if there is satisfaction in anything in life – it is a gift of God: Eccl. 5:19: “Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil–this is a gift of God.” Thank you God for your gift – I am not content with the status quo out there but I am grateful for my joy, peace and contentment in you!
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
I am in His presence at all times. He sees me in my good times and my ‘bad’ times. In my daily talks with Him I need to share my sorrows and my joys. The joy of the Lord God is my strength. He is here. He desires to hear His child share their joys and sorrows, their sadness and happiness, the tears of despair and tears of joy. My Father needs to be in the details of my life. I am in His presence always. His love and leading Spirit can carry me through all situations. Do not despair. Talk with God at all times for He is there remaining the same.
1 Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,
and make me love you as I ought to love.
2 I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no opening skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.
3 Did you not bid us love you, God and King,
love you with all our heart and strength and mind?
I see the cross— there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek you and O let me find!
4 Teach me to feel that you are always nigh;
teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
teach me the patience of unceasing prayer.
5 Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.