Psalms: Some call it insight on spiritual things and the reality of raw human emotion of the man after God's own heart. Can't beat that with a stick. We can be okay with having feelings because after all the man after God's own heart had some very desperate, anxious and fearful ones. We can learn from the book of Psalms that feelings and emotions are inevitable. We can process them with God and then come out in faith knowing that He is Sovereign and never ceases to be in control.
The author shares his heartbreak, fear, anxiety and tears he says "But as for me, I trust in you" to God. What more valuable lesson can be learned. We acknowledge where we are and then turn ourselves and our lives over to the care of God.
There is no pretense.
No overly spiritual "God is in control and will make a way" attitude to negate and discount or avoid the reality of his humanity.
No....
When I read the book I see the author saying "This is where I am God. This is what I am feeling. And I still trust you". I think that is a sign of spiritual maturity.
We see Jesus do something very similar in his most trying time in the Garden of Gethsemane. He cries out overwhelmed with the pain of what was going to happen. The following passage shares Jesus' transparency he prepares for the crucifixion as taken by Matthew 26:36-38
"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. 39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
I remember clearly going through some very difficult and emotionally painful times during my walk with Christ when life got very lifey. I studied His word looking for comfort. I told God I was tired of crying. He directed me to read about the Garden of Gethsemane. I saw Jesus, God in the flesh struggle with His very raw and painful emotions. Each time he came to the same conclusion...Not my will by thine be done. He didn't stop after saying it once. I believe he was processing through his grief. For him, 3 was the number. Nonetheless he was real with himself and could present himself in a transparent manner to God and ask for His help.
If Jesus, who is God could be transparent and receive strength from above could it not be for me also, being a joint heir? I have learned to be real with myself. I have learned to be transparent before God and ask for his Divine help. He will never fail me. He said when we seek for Him we will find him.
Learning to be real with myself has helped me develop a heart of compassion for others. I think compassion and empathy are essential tools to help minster to God's people. I can back that up with Scripture and will in time. People are broken and they need a Savior.
I am thankful for those who have the compassionate heart of God when dealing with His people. I am extremely thankful for a very good spiritual Shepard and his wife. They are exemplifying God's love in action by the way they treat the flock. I also have a host of friends who operate this way as well.
I have come to believe that God can restore and long ago and will for each and every day of my life make a decision to turn my will and life over into the CARE of God.
He always has had the best intent for me:) That I can rest in.
"I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens." Psalm 71:1
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