Asking is the first step
Whenever I am able to identify what was going on inside of me, whether that is acknowledging some sort of illness or admitting to something I had done wrong, or realizing the negative power of something I had said in anger, I know I am quite close to making some changes for the better. Until that time, I can spend a great deal of time and energy in blaming others and trying to make them change—all of which drains me and accomplishes little. There’s another way.
This Psalm is called a lament psalm, a time in which the writer takes stock of what is happening to him (her?) and upon realizing that the problem or difficulty needs help from the outside, calls upon God.
What is it that is troubling you today? What is it that seems to keep you “sinking in the mud” or “struggling in the deep waters?” It can be many things individually or a combination. Aging, illness, pandemic fears, economic insecurity, relationship struggles all can weigh heavily on us and call for seeking help from the outside. Pushing down whatever it is that is brooding or boiling inside of us forecasts trouble, while bringing our needs to prayer—as the Psalmist did—promises health and healing.
Today is a good day to take the first—or another—step in freeing ourselves to live into the glory of God. “Ask and it shall be given you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Prayer:
Lord, answer me and help me. Amen
Pastor Jerry
