Psalm 120:1
I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me.
Always a timely word! Whenever you or I feel stressed … hard pressed … distressed … anxious … or even fearful with what is happening in your life, God has affirmed in His Word that He wants us to call upon Him. God in our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble (Cf. Psalm 46:1) So whatever we are going through, we should give it to the Father. Talk with Him. Share with Him. This verse assures us that He will listen. As Peter affirmed, “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (Cf. 1 Peter 5:7) Here Peter quotes Psalm 55:22 which reads, “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
If you feel defeated for some reason … if you feel like giving up or giving in to your circumstances or situation … pause for a moment. Breathe. Breathe deeply. Now I encourage you to read how Asaph reset His mindset when feeling overwhelmed with the world and culture that surrounded him. Read Psalm 73 this morning. It will not take long, but it will impact your day. I believe it will bring you some fresh perspective. I am particularly fond of its conclusion:
Psalm 73:23-28 (ESV)
21 When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a brute beast toward You. 23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 28 But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
Oh, how I pray that we would understand how much God loves us! He is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort! (Cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3) Even now, He is running toward you … to embrace you and show you His lovingkindness. (Cf. Luke 15:20) Just be still and embrace Him. Rest in Him. He is the God of peace. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. (Cf. Philippians 4:7) In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Yes, Jesus is all you need, and His grace is sufficient for you. (Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9) So, call upon Him. He will listen to you. And when you are finished, be still and listen to Him. I believe you will be amazed at His answer….
So Now You Know 