"Eternal One, my True God, I cried out to You for help; You mended the shattered pieces of my life."--Psalm 30:2 (VOICE)
King David, who penned Psalm 30, was passionate about pursuing God. He understood the meaning, and significance, of a relationship with God. Whether he was in distress, afraid, joyous, angry, celebratory, sick, or anxious--he was in constant communication with our heavenly Father. His prayers were authentic and genuine; he pulled no punches when it came to sharing his heart.
Psalm 30:2 is an example of such. Can you envision this tired, battle-weary, frustrated king pleading to the Lord and asking for help? That is what the word "cried" means in Hebrew, shava. His request or earnest plea for help invoked the power and the presence of God to be manifested in his life. Psalm 30:2 concludes with David saying God healed (rapha': to make healthful, to heal of individual distress, to repair, to make whole) him.
We can learn a lot from David's example and experiences. He was imperfect and made plenty of mistakes. Like us, he faced many challenges and obstacles in his lifetime. He battled fear, troubled interpersonal relationships, betrayal, lust, anger, loneliness, hurt, physical infirmity, and brokenness. Yet, no matter what he faced--he always went to God. He did not allow his title, his anguished soul, his position, his hurt feelings, his reputation, or his wealth hinder his pursuit of God.
Very often, many of us are not doing well in our souls simply because we are not asking God for help. This sentiment reminds me of a hymn we sang in church years ago:
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (Merle Haggard)
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptation
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrow share
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
_________________________________________________
May I encourage you today? If you are facing something difficult, ask God for help like David did. He is as close as your next prayer.
Psalm 30:2 is an example of such. Can you envision this tired, battle-weary, frustrated king pleading to the Lord and asking for help? That is what the word "cried" means in Hebrew, shava. His request or earnest plea for help invoked the power and the presence of God to be manifested in his life. Psalm 30:2 concludes with David saying God healed (rapha': to make healthful, to heal of individual distress, to repair, to make whole) him.
We can learn a lot from David's example and experiences. He was imperfect and made plenty of mistakes. Like us, he faced many challenges and obstacles in his lifetime. He battled fear, troubled interpersonal relationships, betrayal, lust, anger, loneliness, hurt, physical infirmity, and brokenness. Yet, no matter what he faced--he always went to God. He did not allow his title, his anguished soul, his position, his hurt feelings, his reputation, or his wealth hinder his pursuit of God.
Very often, many of us are not doing well in our souls simply because we are not asking God for help. This sentiment reminds me of a hymn we sang in church years ago:
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (Merle Haggard)
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptation
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrow share
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
_________________________________________________
May I encourage you today? If you are facing something difficult, ask God for help like David did. He is as close as your next prayer.
