Help and Hope

“I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” But as I stood there in silence— not even speaking of good things— the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: “ Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won’t say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cries for help! Don’t ignore my tears. For I am your guest— a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭39:1-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David, the king, is in turmoil. He wants to keep his tongue in check but there is a battle raging in his mind. His contemplation seems to be upon his regrets, his circumstances, his enemies, the ungodly culture around him, and the shortness of life itself. Suddenly his soul is overwhelmed with sarcasm. Life is not what he thought it would be at this point. Isn't it amazing how we all have found ourselves in a place like this? Regrets eating away at our hearts and minds, adversity chasing us like an enemy in pursuit, the ungodliness of our culture, and the recognition of our brief life. All of this leaves us longing for hope. That hope is found only in Jesus!!! No where else can we find forgiveness for our sins, protection from our enemies, consolation in the cultural struggle, and hope for the future. As Dr. S.M. Lockridge once said: "He gives us pardon for our past, power for our present, and a bright prospect for our future." Our lives are filled with challenges on every side. Sometimes we feel like screaming at the top of our lungs just to let our turbulent emotions flow out of us like magma that has been boiling beneath the surface.  Today, if you are in a spot like that, take a moment and pray. Share your heart with God! He already knows your contemplations. Let Him give you the help and hope you need to carry on!