Joshua 5-6; Mark 5; Psalm 69

Where do I turn when life begins to overwhelm me? I know where I ought to turn. But when I read of David’s suffering, and of his subsequent desperation to find God in the midst of his pain, and his determination to trust God to deliver him, I am convicted that I do not turn to the Lord nearly as often as I should, and rarely to the degree and with the desperation and determination that David did. And he faced far worse than I do.

David responded to suffering by seeking God. He wore himself out with his prayer and crying out to the Lord. In contrast, I often give up when I get tired. I let myself get distracted. I put off praying for the sake of discussing my problems with others. And as a result, I find myself more distressed than ever.

I need to be more like David:

• David was honest with God. David laid it out plain for God to know what was happening to Him, why it was happening, and how it made him feel. I should not be afraid to tell God when I’m overwhelmed, discouraged, or afraid. God loves me; He wants to listen to me and to help me.

                  “Save me, O God!

                      For the waters have come up to my neck.

                  I sink in deep mire,

                      where there is no foothold;

                  I have come into deep waters,

                      and the flood sweeps over me.

                  I am weary with my crying out;

                      my throat is parched.

                  My eyes grow dim

                      with waiting for my God.”

                  -Psalm 69:1-4 (ESV)

• David asked for deliverance. He did more than just vent about his problems; he asked for relief. I need to actually ask God for deliverance, not just vent and “hope for the best.” God is moved to action by our requests. I need to show my trust by asking Him to act on my behalf –
  He loves me and that’s exactly what He wants to do!

                  “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.

                      At an acceptable time, O God,

                      in the abundance of your steadfast love

                      answer me in your saving faithfulness.

                  Deliver me

                      from sinking in the mire;

                  let me be delivered from my enemies

                      and from the deep waters.

                  Let not the flood sweep over me,

                      or the deep swallow me up,

                      or the pit close its mouth over me.

                   Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good;

                      according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

                  -Psalm 69:13-16 (ESV)

• David praised God. In praising God, he was reminding himself of why he could trust God. While David began his prayer by talking about his suffering, He ended his prayer by focusing on God’s power. I need to spend more time praising God for who He is and what He’s done. Focusing on God’s power will help me to find peace that God can handle what I’ve just laid at His feet.

                  I will praise the name of God with a song;

                      I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

                  This will please the Lord more than an ox

                      or a bull with horns and hoofs.

                  When the humble see it they will be glad;

                      you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

                  For the Lord hears the needy

                      and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.

                  -Psalm 69:30-33 (ESV)

Father, forgive me for fixating on my problems and turning to myself and others instead of you. Help me to trust you, to remember your love for me. Remind me of how you’ve delivered me before, and give me faith to turn to you when I’m overwhelmed. Thank you for your goodness and patience towards me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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