Day 93: Trouble

God, why am I having so much inner trouble? I just can't seem to find the peace I've had before. Why? I don't mean to sound impertinent, but it would be nice to know. Lord, I don't want to leave your path... I don't want to leave You. I feel so unworthy of Your love and forgiveness. Please, Lord, come into my heart, sweep out all of the cobwebs, point out anything and everything that You feel needs to be removed and bring in anything You know needs to be brought in. Only You, Lord, can show me how to do this. I don't want to give up. You should know, Lord, that giving up isn't my style. I want to (and will) follow You and worship You and only You for years and years and years and years and years (i.e., forever).

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?
Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
~Psalm 77:1-20 (KJV)

It's a comfort to know that even biblical figures like the Psalmist had trouble with faith. Unfortunately, it's because we're only human and we are more flawed than a chipped cup in a seconds warehouse. But the Psalmist was wise. Instead of just giving up and walking away from his faith, he held onto it even tighter than before. He admitted openly that he was having troubles and that he had been complaining a lot and that he felt overwhelmed; but he still turned straight to God. He remembered all of the previous times that God had really been evident in his life, and the Psalmist fed on those stores during his time of spiritual famine. The Psalmist knows that God is the one and only God, and that He is a redeeming God who walks with each of us everywhere we go--He guides us and strengthens us each and every step of the way. And even if it seems like God is light-years away, He isn't. God is always right there with us and He has a plan that will get us through. Sometimes we have to go through a trial to learn and improve something about ourselves. Sometimes we have to go through a trial to help someone else learn something. No matter what you are going through, IT'S OKAY. God is with you and he will not abandon You. Just trust Him. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and visualize yourself handing God every single trouble you are facing. He will take care of it in His own time. And above all, remember what God has done for you, your family, and your friends as well as all of His children throughout the course of history.

Lord, thank You for this day--it was indeed a good one. And Lord, I trust You. No matter what You have planned for me, I will not leave Your path. All I ask is that You continue to give me strength as You always have so that, with Your Holy guidance, I may overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. I know that God will lead me right to where I'm supposed to be when I'm supposed to be there. Please, Lord, watch over my family, friends, and pets; please bless them and keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. I pray that they never forget what You have done for them and that they always stay faithful to You and only You, Lord. Please watch over and bless those who defend Your name and this country. Please also watch over their families and friends and bless them with serenity and strength in times of separation and/or loss. Please watch over those who are in need of strength, defense, and/or faith. I pray that all who are lost will be found. Lord, in whatever way(s) I can do Your work, please, I ask that You show me. Please cleanse me of my sins, Lord, for I am certainly not without fault; and please continue to guide me on Your path of righteousness. Please continue to bless me as You always have, Lord. No matter what, You are my life, Lord. I shall always love You with all of my heart and soul, and I will follow You, Lord, forever and ever. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.