Have you ever thought, prayed, cried out, “Save Me, O God!”? Often, when we feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, devastated, and or afraid these idioms can come to mind: “Being in deep water” or “In over your head“. We initially can try to do things on our own then once we realize we can’t we collapse or are driven to despair. Psalm 69 is a reminder that we need to turn to God and ask for help. Even better, in turning to Him, God will save you! This picture reminds me of a time when my sister Dawn who fell in the pool as a kid and I had to jump in to get her out. She was OK, and actually just gave birth to her third beautiful daughter Vivienne. What a blessing! This picture also reminds me how we can live many moments of my life before a relationship with Christ. Today I can still find myself feeling like this but, I’m thankful for His word and the reminder of how a meaningful relationship with God can change this feeling.
Today’s Reading: Numbers 26; Psalm 69; Isaiah 16; 1 Peter 4
May 16, 2016
Jesus has faced many adversaries and had to endure much physical and mental suffering. This even came in many forms including his own brothers who he loved mocking Him. I cannot even begin to imagine what Jesus went through! When I think about that time I envision the movie Passion of Christ, which puts a knot in my throat as I write. Today in our lives, we often can be mentally and physically beaten down, tempted to turn from God, lose trust, and eventually end up giving up. Psalm 69 can help and coach you not to just throw in the towel. Reminder, it’s not if we will face various trials in our lives, its when. Each of us have these moments when you feel overwhelmed and the list can be extensive to include issues surrounding: work, money, love, family, friends, appearance… The list can go on and vary based on your season of life.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. Psalm 69:2-3
Thankfully, God knows us. He knows you. Psalm 139:1-3 tells us, God knows everything about us and the world. O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. He knows our past and the plans he has for us. We can be humbled, heartbroken, or ashamed when we sin. God knows the secrets of our hearts. He understand our humanness and our lack of wisdom when we make wrong choices.
O God, you know my folly; the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5
In our fleeting lives we need to realize that we are never separated from His care and we need to reach out to God. We need to pray asking him to deliver us. 1 Peter 4:2 says “so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Psalm 13-14
Take time to praise God and lift him up today. Even when I wasn’t focused on God, He has always been focused on me. He is focused on you. Even in our despair He comes to us and says I’ve been here the whole time. Waiting. It’s not God who isn’t present, its us. Sometimes our choices are only focused on we forget about talking to God. We need to pause and ask Him about your next choice and trust in His plan. He will hear you. He will rescue you. Remain faithful. Jesus’ invitation to follow is for all of us. In our small group we have been going through the study Follow by Andy Stanley I’m reminded that he offers an invitation to a relationship with our Father in heaven to everyone. Who can we share that invitation with today?
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Psalm 33-34
Where are you at today? Is the water getting deep? Your most faithful friend is waiting for you. He wants to save you and walk with you every step.
Dear God,
We don’t need any of the things we run around trying to acquire or impress. We struggle along this marathon, we need you. I need you. Amazingly you are always with us. Psalm 139:9-10 says “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast”. No matter if I’m, “In Over My Head” or “In Deep Water” you already know who I am, where I’m at, and what I need. Thank you for your never-ending love and never-ending care. Amen
In Over My Head A little music for the day. ~Whether I sink, whether I swim, it makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head.” Jenn Johnson –
Continue to shower love and prayers to the McGriff Family Meal Train Plus for The McGriff Family (Click Here)