It’s easy to say life is good when things in your life are going well, but what about the other times? What happens when mountaintop experiences cascade into seasons of struggling in the desert?
In the desert and under tremendous pressure Moses lost it and had a breakdown. Yet, in the midst of it God provided what he needed most at the time and He wants to do the same for you. Like Moses, when things are upside down, out of your control and you don’t know where to go, what to say or what to do you can cry out to God.
“God desires for us to pour out our hearts to Him, whether in joy or pain. But many of us don’t feel right expressing our anger, frustration, and sadness in prayer. Our personal worship experience is not complete unless we understand the lost language of lament.” Michael Card
Over the centuries millions have not only taken refuge in reading the Psalms, but have also borrowed from them to help them in their journey. As you scan through the Psalms I’m confident you’ll identify with the psalmist in one of his various ‘psalms of lament.’ Share your sorrow as act of worship.
Consider borrowing from the Psalms for your journey as well by praying or re-writing your heart’s response to a psalm. Here are a few examples that might be helpful.
Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Psalm 69:1-3
Response: Wow God, I feel like that. I feel like no one can or will help me. I’m near drowning! Just get me through this day … Help me Lord.
Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Psalm 69:16
Response: God, I believe you love me and care for me. I believe you’re a good God. Have mercy on me.
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? Psalm 13:1-2|
Response: God, How long will I feel this? How long will I go down this road? Please help me.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6
Response: Dear God, I’m waiting and hoping in you God…God, I’m grateful for your love. I trust in your unchanging presence and constant loving kindness.
You get the picture. Open your Bible and pray a psalm. Call out to Him in your time of trouble.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water…Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 63:1-2; 61:1-4
