"I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble...look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life." (vs. 1, 2, 4)
I certainly feel like this certain days. But David brings us comfort in verses 5-7:
"I cry to you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.' Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need...set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me."
God is our refuge. He is our sanctuary, our safe place. He is everything we need, our portion.
Think of a situation where you felt loss, betrayal, abandonment, or fear. What would it mean to take in the reality that Christ understands, that He has lived your experience? Have you lost a friendship? Jesus' disciples deserted Him. Have you had a fear of the future? Jesus trusted God even when He feared His crucifixion. Jesus empathizes with us. That is what is so unique about our Savior-He has lived in this world. He knows.
Walking with God during a hard time in your life can result in the deepening friendship with the Lord. In trusting in Him and relying on Him, I grow closer to Him. He becomes more real to me as I see my need for Him.
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that Christ is present in the shadow in the valley of death. Even on my worst days, even when I think death is approaching, Christ is there. If He is there in death, He is certainly with me during my everyday life.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
I hope and pray that you find a friend in Jesus as I certainly have. He has been of great comfort this summer as He has reminded me time and time again, "I love you. I will provide for you."
In Christ,
Christine ><>
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