Crying out to God – October 12

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:1-24; PM Psalm 12, 13, 14; Jonah 1:17-2:10; Acts 27:9-26; Luke 9:1-17

Do you ever have a day when you say, “Uncle! Enough! This is so hard!”?

Maybe today is one of those mornings when you wake up achy, exhausted, and foggy. The sunlight is filtered and dim, hiding its rousing energy. Nevertheless, you muster enough forward motion to get up and ready for what is ahead. Nothing feels like it is working. And maybe you must keep all of that bottled up inside, because others are expecting you to keep things moving and functioning. Your spouse has needs. Kids have needs. Coworkers have needs. Those around you have expectations and rely on you.

I am reminded of a song from a movie that came out in 2021. Called “Surface Pressure”, it was featured in the Disney film “Encanto”. Stressors and demands in the family fall upon the shoulders of Luisa the eldest, and she is so strong…until she cannot go anymore.

And then, the breaking point comes. Snap. Crackle. Pop. Over something relatively inconsequential. The burden feels so heavy and sad.

It is in these times that we cry out for God, feeling humbled, low, and alone. Psalms 12, 13, and 14 (appointed to be read this afternoon) speak to these points in our days and lives when we feel desperate, wondering how much longer we must feel the strain. In these moments, we call to God in prayer. Perhaps we even wonder where God is in all the chaos and rubble.

The psalmist writes of isolation and mistrust: “Help me, Lord, for there is no godly one left; the faithful have vanished from among us. Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.” (Ps. 12:1-2) In the prayer, God answers, “Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, I will rise up,” says the Lord, “and give them the help they long for.” (Ps. 12:5)

In Psalm 13, he continues in desperation: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I have perplexity in my mind, and grief in my heart, day after day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me? Look upon me and answer me, O Lord my God; give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death…” (v. 1-3)

On days when we feel that our worldview is quite bleak, Psalm 14 meets us in that low place. “The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." All are corrupt and commit abominable acts; there is none who does any good. The Lord looks down from heaven upon us all, to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God. Every one has proved faithless; all alike have turned bad; there is none who does good; no, not one.” (v. 1-3)

If you are in a low place today, do not bottle up your negative emotions. Sit with these psalms of heavy feeling and honesty. Allow that weight to pour out and rest with God. Faithful people for more than two thousand years have prayed these hard psalms that put voice to the stirrings in our hearts and the burdens on our minds. You are not alone in your struggles, beloved child of God.

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What situations and people push you to your limit? How do these times help you know yourself more and strengthen you? Where is God in this?

Daily Challenge 

If you are feeling under great pressure today, set aside fifteen minutes to slow down. Pray to God for help. If you cannot find the words, pray the words of Psalms 12 through 14.

Write about what is weighing on you, or call a trusted confidante and share your concern with them. Ask someone to pray for you.