October 10
I’ve struggled this whole week with feeling overwhelmed. It reached a point of paralysis, where I didn’t have the mindset or the energy to do anything. I’ve got a lot on my plate, and I found myself unable to move forward.
This morning during my quiet time with the Lord, I wrote in my journal that I was edgy and not at peace. I needed hope. I read Psalm 70 in which David wrote, “I am afflicted and needy.”
The middle of the Psalm deals with David praying against the enemies that humiliated and shamed him. I thought, I don’t have enemies other than my own pride and procrastination, but those very things hold me back, causing shame when I think I’ve failed, and keep me from moving forward.
But the rest of the Psalm, the request for help from God, knowing that God is my help and my deliverer, ended with the plea, “Do not delay.”
I listened to a book last week, “The Power of Writing It Down” by Allison Fallon. So I decided to write down what had me stressed. I found that by writing it out, it wasn’t quite as overwhelming as I had thought. While it’s a lot, it’s manageable.
So once again, the Lord gave me what I needed before I knew the need.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful that God remains faithful to me and always provides what I need.
I pray for a heart to glorify God in all that I say and do.
I rejoice that He is my salvation, my fortress and my deliverer.
Where’s the joy? It’s in knowing that God is always there, even when I’m stressed and feeling sorry for myself.
O God, hasten to deliver me; O Lord, hasten to my help.
Let those be ashamed and humiliated who seek my life; Let those be turned back and dishonored who delight in my hurt.
Let those be turned back because of their shame, who say “Aha, aha!”
Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”
But I am afflicted and needy; hasten to me O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 70
TRICIA LATHROP 