Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
When going through a struggle, isn’t it easy to envy carefree people around you? They may appear to be healthy and strong and seem to be free of burdens. Don’t kid yourself. Everyone has their own struggles to deal with. No one is exempt. Their poker face may be hiding what is brewing underneath.
So then, when going through a trial, how do you worship God continually throughout your day despite your pain you are feeling? We all get so caught up in our daily responsibilities, tasks, and deadlines as people are counting on us. I must ask myself, how have I portrayed Christ living in me due to my worshipping Christ instead of giving in to these frustrations and irritations? Sometimes it takes more effort than other times, doesn’t it? What would or should I say differently? Don’t we all make excuses such as, “That’s my personality.” Or “I haven’t had my cup of coffee yet this morning.” Better yet, “I just had to get that off my chest.” Yet anger, let’s call it what it is, is an issue of the heart caused by external influences and internal influences and experiencing physical pain, an internal influence, can erupt and spew out, when not using self-control. I have been guilty.
Yes, my physical body may be weak right now, and my courage may fail, but God’s strength needs to be put on. The psalmist confessed to God in Psalm 73:21-22, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.” Then he acknowledged God’s continual presence and counsel.
I made a list of all the things that are struggles currently causing me anxiety. I had five things on my list in my prayer journal. What would you write down on your list? But at the bottom, I wrote, “Give me a clearer perspective through Your eyes, dear God.” The following verses have been helpful to me, and I pray they will be to you as well:
- Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
- Psalm 73:23-24a, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel.”
- Psalm 73:28, “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
I am learning how pain affects what people say and do at times. Worry, fear, doubt, and unclear thinking get in the way and affect what we do and say while undergoing pain. However, there is a safe place found in our hope in God’s grace, mercy, presence, and promises found in His Word. Be careful not to be guided by one’s feelings, circumstances, or experiences, but seek to be guided by God’s counsel.
Pray through Psalm 150, which is a hymn of praise. Verse 2 declares, “Praise him for his acts of power, praise him for his surpassing greatness.” Twenty-four-seven, cling to His promises. That is where our hope is secure. Look to your eternal perspective. Put that future in your thinking today.
Listen to Leanna Crawford – Still Waters (Psalm 23) (LYRICS) You Tube 3 months ago.