Turn to Jesus

“Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies? Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭43:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The psalms are laden with the laments of the child of God. The struggle against their own sin, the assaults of their enemies, and the adverse circumstances of their daily living causes them to cry out to God in honest desperation. Through their trials, their faith in God is what helps them overcome. When life had left them battered and broken they called out to God for His saving power. We are just like the psalmist! We, too, are battling our own sin, dealing with enemies of various kinds (physical and spiritual), and we are challenged by the circumstances of our daily living. Let's admit it - sometimes life leaves us battered and broken. Our spirit is thirsty, our soul needs healing,  and our body is tired. We need a place to rest and rejuvenate. Often we try to fill that need with the things of earth. This leaves us unsatisfied and unfulfilled. Our longing grows and intensifies. We keep trying "things" we "think" will help and we keep coming to the same conclusion, only deeper in our despair. In our moments of darkness we make choices. Our choices are influenced by the way we feel and what is easiest. Like electricity, we follow the path of least resistance. What we must learn to do is turn to the Lord. Only He understands every detail of our lives. Only He identifies fully with our situation. Only He can deliver us from our sin and give us true freedom. Only He can give us strength for the journey and joy in our spirit. Today, don't turn to the weak and beggarly elements of this carnal life. Turn to the only One who ran this race and won it - JESUS! Fall into His arms of grace and mercy. Rest in His embrace. Let Him love on you. In response, love Him with your life.