TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1
Read: Psalm 42:1-3
Listen: Psalm 42
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Everything is not okay, and the psalmist tells God about it. He is brutally honest as he tells him all about it. Using the imagery of a deer desperately in need of water, the writer desires God to know he is in a grave situation. He pleads for God’s presence as he continually faces the taunts of those around. It appears his thirst is only “quenched” by tears that fall day and night. The psalmist is completely honest as he faces God.
Pretending everything is okay when it isn’t is unhealthy. We can quickly grow cynical and leave the faith if we cope by zoning out, checking out or numbing out. To be honest with God includes being completely open in our communication with him. God never asks us to sugarcoat suffering when we come to him. He wants us to tell him everything that is happening and how we feel. He desires honesty about the situation and about how we are doing spiritually.
This can be scary, especially if we have never done it before. To be spiritually honest with God might mean giving voice to thoughts of abandonment, fear and doubt. But God can handle our honesty. This psalm shows us that is true.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
In your journal or mobile device, begin to form a personal prayer using this style of lament. Start by honestly telling God exactly what is going on in your life. Don’t gloss it over, be as honest as you can. Then, using the same level of honesty, tell him what it is doing to you spiritually.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Mark 14.
