Today’s scripture: Psalm 70 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Genese Parker):
Sometimes we just need some help. We just need God to step in and fix it. Sometimes life gets overwhelming and grief takes over. And there are times when you might feel like you are not going to make it. This is the way David was feeling when he called out to God for help. David says to the Lord (verses 2-3):
May those who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
turn back because of their shame.
In these moments, we can call on God to come and rescue us. God knows exactly what we are feeling and experiencing in life. I will admit that when I am feeling overwhelmed and under attack, I tend to turn inward and isolate myself from friends, family, and even God. But instead of doing that, I am reminded, by David’s words in verse five, that God hears our cry and will respond to our cries for help.
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay.
At the same time David also asks that the people who are seeking to have a relationship with God be welcomed in and experience the joy and satisfaction that he has known in his relationship with God. Even in his distress, he is asking that God would look down favorably on the people who are seeking to reach God. Even in our distress it is important to remember that God is good and that there are people in the world who need God just as much as we do. It is ok, even important, to call on God in times of distress, but it is equally important to remember the joy and peace that God brings to our lives and to others.
Thought of the day: God is good and just, both at the same time. God can handle our problems and still bless us, and the people around us, with joy.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.