Honest Conversations with God

As a teenager, David was anointed as the next king of Israel. But instead of ascending to the throne in a blaze of glory, he spent years running from Israel’s current king (his father-in-law) who repeatedly tried to kill him. 

During this time, David laments to God: he has honest conversations about his situation while holding onto the hope that God can—and will—restore him. Psalm 59 is the result of one of those conversations.  

David’s laments allowed him to express his grief, cry out for justice, and remember God’s faithfulness. Focusing on God’s faithfulness reminded David of God’s character, and knowing God’s character helped him hold onto hope. That’s why he could say, “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:16 NIV)

Talking honestly with God helped David recognize that even though his current situation wasn’t good, God was still good, and still worthy of being worshiped. David believed that God was still in control, and that he would one day see the fulfillment of God’s promises.

And one day, God’s promises did come to pass. But God didn’t waste the years David spent as a fugitive: instead, He used them to help David become the leader and warrior Israel needed. The setbacks David endured actually strengthened his character and prepared him for his future purpose. Although his circumstances were painful, God was faithful. 

And God can—and will—be faithful with your life. 

When you place your hope in Jesus, you never grieve in vain because the God who is now is also the God who will be forever. And He is constantly advocating and acting on your behalf. That’s why, no matter what you face, you can hold onto this hope: Jesus can turn your setbacks and sorrows into setups for your good and His glory. 

God can take your pain and use it for His purposes. He can make a way through your desert seasons. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. Nothing is impossible for God. 

So today, continue to draw closer to Him, and look for evidence of His faithfulness. As you intentionally pursue God, look for ways to worship Him like David did.

My Thoughts

I have never liked the idea of turning lemon into lemonade or making the best of a bad situation. That seems like a lack of faith to me. I am not sure that there are any bad situations. Rather, I believe that bad things that happen are an opportunity to look for ways to praise God in it. Yes, I said look for them! Sometimes it is hard to see good things in the middle of an overwhelming situation, but He is always there. I emboldened the print of the lines that stood out to me in today’s devotional. God is forever and Jesus can take our setbacks and use them for His glory.

I recently had yet another health scare. I am not sure why these things have started happening when I am out of town, away from home and my regular doctors. But this is twice now in as many months, so God definitely has my attention. First of all, with my sister, I tried to remain calm and faith-filled. Yes, I had to go to the ER and was there all night alone. But I was praying and reciting scripture verses and received good care. I was honest with God, telling Him I was frustrated that this was happening and I had no idea how I was going to get back to my sister’s or what the real problem was. The doctor had told me that they were doing tests to make sure my single kidney was okay since I had an E Coli bacterial infection in my bladder. Well, I told God that was more than a little concerning, but I also told Him that He made me and I was sure that He could take care of me. So I was able to tell my sister when the hospital “taxi” took me back to her apartment that the hospital was efficient and all the people were kind. She is terrified of hospitals and as this is likely the one she would go to if something happens to her, I helped to reassure her that it is a safe space.

In Maryland, my blood pressure kept climbing and reached alarming highs, accompanied by a severe headache. So, on the eve of our granddaughter’s birthday, we headed to the ER (again). My specific prayer as I lay there waiting for tests to be completed and then for meds to work, I prayed to be able to be back at our son’s house for Penny’s birthday. I was honest, and told God how upset I was to once again be in the hospital, helpless about my condition. God answered as I was discharged just after midnight. Once again, I could assure the kids that I was okay and tell them that God had taken care of me. In a household where the only time God’s name seems to be mentioned is in the epithet of OMG, that was a big deal. The kids were happy I was there and amazed that I gave God the glory for it. So, is it a great experience to go to the ER with health issues? Of course not! It’s frightening and uncomfortable and not part of the plan for the out-of-town visit. But if one good thing comes from these unexpected interruptions in my plans for the week, then I am okay with that. I was able to share my mantra with my sister and my grandchildren: “Nothing is going to happen today that God and I cannot handle together.” I am not sure what they thought about it, but I hope I fed them enough to whet their appetites to know more. When it was time to leave, we gathered in a circle and prayed and the little ones who were there (home sick with strep), joined in enthusiastically. Baby steps, but steps nonetheless and I will take them. I am certain God did not put me on earth to be a Debbie Downer. I am here to spread His positive light regardless of my circumstances and I am doing my best to do so. So, you can call it lemons and lemonades. I will call it God’s giving me an opportunity to show others that I belong to Him and they can, too!