Short blog today. And all the mega-slow readers like me say: “WOOHOO!” 

I don’t know about you, but for me, the natural reaction when things go bad is to freak out.

“Help!” we cry. “Help, Lord, I’m drowning!”

I don’t say, “Well, God has helped me in the past, and He’ll do it again. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” No way, I’m more likely to say, “This time I’m TOTALLY screwed.” 

In chapter 143 of Psalms, verse four, we find a sentiment many of us who deal with chronic physical and/or emotional pain can relate to:

“I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.”

To which a great number of us can say, “Been there, done it, bought the t-shirt.”

But the writer doesn’t stop there, as many of us do. He doesn’t step into the throne room of God, lay out all his disappointments, confusion, fear and anger and then walk out with a snarky, “Thanks for NOTHING, Lord!” 

No, he goes on to say, “I remember the glorious miracles you did in days of long ago. I reach out for you. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens; don’t turn away from me or I shall die. Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere. Save me from my enemies. O Lord, I run to you to hide me. Help me to do your will, for you are my God. Lead me in good paths, for your Spirit is good. (Psalm 143:5-10).”

The prayer isn’t one of “complaints.” It’s acknowledging past miracles, thirsting for God “as parched land thirsts for rain,” admitting he “shall die” without the Lord’s help, trusting Him, agreeing to walk where God leads and to doing His will.

It’s a prayer of his great need for God’s help, yes, but it’s also one of commitment to the Lord’s ways. It’s one of asking for God’s perfect will for his life, and then agreeing to follow that path, no matter what.

Just a reminder, for the next time you (I?) “freak out.”

Blessings.