Psalm 102:1-28
The writer of Psalm 102 is definitely stressed and, in his own words, distressed. He's in a hard place. We've all been there, right? My attention was caught by how this man conveys what he's going through and what he's feeling so clearly to the Lord, and he doesn't seem to be holding anything back. But then, once he gets everything out, we see a shift in focus from himself and his woes to God and His greatness, eternality and faithfulness.
So how might you use and draw on Psalm 102 to help you respond and deal with hardship and, like the Psalmist, move from complaint to praise? What does this passage show us about how hardship can draw us closer to God? Tami W.
Moving from complaint to praise is very difficult, when I am fearful of the future, fearful of keeping my job and my house, and providing for my family in such uncertain times. In my head I know that praise and thanksgiving are what God wants and deserves. But even when I mouth the words, deep inside I know my fears remain and I sense my praise is shallow at best, and maybe disingenuous at worst.
Moving from complaint to praise seems to take an act of the will, so it must be part of the freedom God gives us. Yet it is a constant battle to keep my thoughts focused on God's blessings and to praise him for all that is good my life. Competing thoughts of worry and doubt seem to always intrude. I can only try, moment by moment, to keep shifting my mind back to Him, and to ask him to cast out those competing thoughts, and to rid me of the tempatation to doubt and worry.
My deep hope is that God is using this mixed focus as a way to draw me back to Him, and that someday I will be blessed to be able to see this is so. For now, however, it is exhausting to be fighting the tempatations of worry and doubt and pushing myself to praise. I long for the gifts of the Spirit, particularly peace, joy and self control. I want to be able to relax and rest in him.
In his mercy will God accept praise that is mingled with doubt and fear and worry? My believe that God is love, and that he truly cares for us, tells me he does, althougth I confess I often hold that truth tentatively, and with an uncertain hand.
I didn't receive an email today - went into yesterday's blog to find today's reading and blog. Is there a tech problem with my browser? Thanks for your consideration!
Allan
Hi everyone,
For some reason today's P4 email didn't go out. Sorry about that. We're looking into how it got stuck! You can find today's reading and questions below.
Psalm 102:1-28
What is the psalmist's condition (102:3-11)? Contrast that with God's position (102:12-22). What does the psalmist ask of God (102:23-28)? How do you approach God when you're suffering? What hope do you find here?l
Enjoy your Sunday!
Meredith
P4 Team Member
I feel as Anonymous does.
I know that when I am going through deep trials in my life I often bare my soul to the Lord- I am not only frustrated with my situation, but also frustrated with the Lord that He is not doing any thing or isn't paying attention( or at least I think). BUT then, I am reminded ( I am sure it is the Holy Spirit who does the reminding ! ) that God is sovereign, loving and compassionate- He knows all things and is working even when we don't see Him working. I am then brought to my knees in worship. And I can leave my prayer in peace and in thanksgiving, even in the midst of my trial.