A Ton of Trouble
We all have times in life when we just feel like the harder we try, the farther behind we manage to get. In looking forward, we see only those out ahead. It comes as no surprise when someone even begins to describe their impression of God being somewhere, anywhere, but not in the moment of their need. The trial gets hard and we often think we have lost touch with the very one who has the ability to help us get through it all. Listen to these words:
1-2 Long enough, God— you've ignored me long enough. I've looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. 3-4 Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. 5-6 I've thrown myself headlong into your arms—I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.
(Psalm 13 The Message)
I daresay we could be the ones penning these words! We have the same impressions - God is ignoring our need; he is so far out in front of us we can only see the back of his head; he is no longer aware of the enemy's attack.
Here's the hard truth in this passage - the movement away from God's care was not on his part - it was on our part! David says it well, "Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain." Yep, we hold onto what God asks for us to place in his hands, foolheartedly attempting to do things on our own. In the end, we complain bitterly under the load we have never been asked to carry!
The way out from under the ton of trouble is most frequently in transferring the load to one who can actually carry the load with ease! In the moment of the recognition of our inadequacy to "deal with" the ton of trouble on our shoulders, God steps in as our rescuer. In the way only God can manage, the load is lifted, we no longer spin our wheels "dealing with" the very things he never intended for us to "deal with".
David reminds of one important truth: Our perspective of God needs to change! When we are carrying the burdens ourselves, we see the back of his head - simply because we fall behind, we get entangled in the emotional energies of worry, and we lose sight of his carefulness over our lives. When we change our focus - looking him in the face, the nearness of his care is evidenced in the burdens being lifted.
You may feel like the "view" you have had of God these past days, weeks, or months has been the "back of his head". I challenge you today to change your perspective! In dropping the burden you are under into his hands, you actually HAVE TO come face-to-face with him! The "hand-off" of the ton of trouble on your shoulders only is accomplished in the "face-to-face" exchange! Celebrate your rescue! Enjoy your "unburdening". He delights in taking what you have been holding onto!
1-2 Long enough, God— you've ignored me long enough. I've looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. 3-4 Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. 5-6 I've thrown myself headlong into your arms—I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.
(Psalm 13 The Message)
I daresay we could be the ones penning these words! We have the same impressions - God is ignoring our need; he is so far out in front of us we can only see the back of his head; he is no longer aware of the enemy's attack.
Here's the hard truth in this passage - the movement away from God's care was not on his part - it was on our part! David says it well, "Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain." Yep, we hold onto what God asks for us to place in his hands, foolheartedly attempting to do things on our own. In the end, we complain bitterly under the load we have never been asked to carry!
The way out from under the ton of trouble is most frequently in transferring the load to one who can actually carry the load with ease! In the moment of the recognition of our inadequacy to "deal with" the ton of trouble on our shoulders, God steps in as our rescuer. In the way only God can manage, the load is lifted, we no longer spin our wheels "dealing with" the very things he never intended for us to "deal with".
David reminds of one important truth: Our perspective of God needs to change! When we are carrying the burdens ourselves, we see the back of his head - simply because we fall behind, we get entangled in the emotional energies of worry, and we lose sight of his carefulness over our lives. When we change our focus - looking him in the face, the nearness of his care is evidenced in the burdens being lifted.
You may feel like the "view" you have had of God these past days, weeks, or months has been the "back of his head". I challenge you today to change your perspective! In dropping the burden you are under into his hands, you actually HAVE TO come face-to-face with him! The "hand-off" of the ton of trouble on your shoulders only is accomplished in the "face-to-face" exchange! Celebrate your rescue! Enjoy your "unburdening". He delights in taking what you have been holding onto!
Very good come see my giveaway!
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