I have a wonderful band of sisters that I study with. We are called the She Reads Truth community. Talk about hearts that ooze with love! Each member was invited to write and share a devotional for the Friday scriptures during Lent. I love my sisters and I am so excited that we are sharing our hearts with one another.
My Devotional for the 38th Psalm:
O-wa
M-ma
G-eeeee
Have you ever felt so low, so regretful, so remorseful, so scorned, so NOT supported, so abandoned and so depressed that even death seemed like a kinder fate?
It can get that bad. It may not for everyone, but I’m grateful for a psalm that can reach that low and comfort anyone who can relate. What I appreciate here is that David acknowledges he is not innocent. Yet he makes it clear that his “foolishness” has landed him in a spot where he is way over his head. He is hurting. God’s anger is hurting him, the weight of his iniquities is hurting him, the abandonment he feels is hurting him, the circumstances, the sickness, the mourning, the suffering….
He’s Hurting.
He’s DESPERATE.
Only God can quench his thirst for relief. Relief from his burning insides, the fiery darts of his family and friends and the scorching plots for his demise. Sometimes we sink so low that the only words we want to hear are God’s. I’ve been in a place where I didn’t want to hear another “positive thought”, well intentioned opinion, or “let’s get you cheered up” speech. It wouldn’t surprise me if I even told someone from my emotional abyss “if God didn’t tell you, then don’t say it, PLEASE”. I have been so desperate for HIM that I only wanted to hear what HE had to say. Sisters, sometimes we are so fragile that we thirst for the word that CANNOT fail. The thought of another [financial, relational, mental, emotional or physiological] “failure” seems like too much to bear. In those moments we whisper, “I just need God”.
From that drought, you begin to feel the “only God can help me” appreciation for His strength. ALL honor and glory rightfully belong to a God more than powerful enough to overturn and reverse the despair that makes one feel more dead than alive. He can turn it !
He can turn ANYTHING.
We won’t move until He comes, because only His way do we want to go.
Come God- COME QUICKLY!
Parched is an understatement- a feeling of being dried up and nearly blowing away into emotional oblivion is more like it.
But God…
He can change ANYTHING.
Come God, COME QUICKLY.
I’m waiting- thirsty for you.
Sisters, today, let’s pause and pray that God “comes quickly” for any and every one of us that is in despair and is waiting in an emotional wildnerness for God to CHANGE EVERYTHING.
Wow. This leaves me with chills. Absolutely beautiful response to this Psalm, Kelsi.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if I even told someone from my emotional abyss “if God didn’t tell you, then don’t say it, PLEASE”. I have been so desperate for HIM that I only wanted to hear what HE had to say. Sisters, sometimes we are so fragile that we thirst for the word that CANNOT fail. The thought of another [financial, relational, mental, emotional or physiological] “failure” seems like too much to bear. In those moments we whisper, “I just need God”.”
–YES! The word that cannot fail…not any other bit of the world’s wisdom.
“ALL honor and glory rightfully belong to a God more than powerful enough to overturn and reverse the despair that makes one feel more dead than alive. He can turn it ! He can turn ANYTHING. We won’t move until He comes, because only His way do we want to go.Bookmarking this one to return to over and over again.”
–Praise the Lord! Bookmarking this post to return to over and over again. Thanks for your beautiful encouragement this morning.
Thank you so much for the encouragement Morgan!!! He’s just SO awesome!!!
You totally hit the nail on the head for me. The exact things you have said I’ve felt lately. It has been heart wrenching to hear friends say “it’ll be okay… You’ll find someone else, someone better” or “this is a new beginning! Be happy!” Because no one understands our hurt like Jesus. And no one is going to make it better except our God. I have also been to the point where I may have said don’t tell me unless it’s in the bible. So glad that not only did you remind me I’m not the only one in this despair, but that the bible also reminds us. Amen to that.
Insert the super crying emoji here. Sometimes my desperation is what serves as my catalyst pushing me forward. But the feeling is an unwelcome one. I want to remain in the place where I’m thirsty for Him, but not neglect Him to the point where I’m wasting away…
I can hear the opinions, the encouragement and the “words from God” that seem like they never are enough. But God…
Great post! “Emotional Wilderness” I’ve never thought of it that way before. Thanks!
Visiting from #shesharestruth. “God can turn anything” “God can change anything” Looove! God can take anything and turn it into a victory!
Beckey
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My, My, My,….is all I can say. Great word Sis. Your word was Come Quickly GOD, and I in boxed you that GOD is exposing Himself Suddenly!!! Love it. !!!
Wow! amazing post I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Thanks for sharing sister. God Bless!
I LOVE it! Beautiful–it is ONLY God who can do anything about our situation, and that brings such comfort and peace. I can identify with the exact feelings you are describing…but it is in those moments that my worship of Christ grew one hundred fold. It is such a blessing to be brought to the place where you are desperate for God…desperate for His word! Love!
Love LOVE LOVE this post! I have recently just accepted Christ into my life again after a rough few months. My “ex” lost all contact with myself and I placed all this guilt heavy on myself thinking I was the problem here. Well, not anymore as Christ is with me and I just have to keep thinking that He has better plans out there for me! This post really hit home with myself as I have been struggling with the same kinds of feelings that you remark on throughout your blog. Thanks for the prayers!
SRT Sister stopping by!
Oh my goodness…I love your perspective on this. You put it beautifully. It seems strange to think that we are like David, someone who is in such hurt and agony that he’s literally crying out…but we are SO like him. I know I am anyways. I’ve had those moments where the ONLY thing that could possibly comfort me is the Lord & his word. Being able to dissect Psalm 38 and relate has been wonderful and I’m glad to see you really sorted through it as well.
Sending you prayers & blessings, friend. =)
Thank you for sharing this. I can so relate to every word. “I just need you, God!”