What burdens, what loads, are you carrying right now that you do not need to be carrying? What needs do you have that you are trying to solve or fill on your own? What heartaches and hurts are holding your heart captive and preventing you from living a full and free life? Are there ideas or beliefs about God and His goodness, or ability to provide that prevent you from submitting your whole heart to Him?
I have no desire to beat you up. For that matter, I have no desire to beat myself up. What I know is that there are times in my life where I need to exercise wisdom and grab ahold of my thought life. When stress is on the rise, or when crisis hits my heart, when thoughts of depression start to creep in – I need to go back to what I know can help and encourage me.
While I believe that the entire Bible has a purpose, and God wants us to read it, know it, and use it – there are parts of the Bible that are especially helpful or meaningful to me. One of those parts is the book of Psalms. I love how there is a transparency – or rawness in the words. The emotions expressed are relatable – and at times feel as if they are identical to my own. Over and over the psalmists spill their hearts and needs out to God, and over and over I am reminded about God’s character and presence.
Out of my reading this morning alone, God has spoken to me through His word. He said, “Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks. You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you.” (Psalm 81:6-7a) God does not want His people to be burdened and weighed down. He will carry our load. His shoulders can easily manage the weight, where ours are crippled by it. Our God is a God who saves.
“Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.” (Psalm 81:10a) When I come to God and seek Him with the expectation that He can meet my needs – He exceeds them. He is faithful to meet my needs, and He doesn’t just give me something good – He fills me with good things!
“For the LORD God is our sun and shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” (Psalm 84:11) God is not just a light in the darkness. He is so much more! As the sun is the source of life here on earth – so too, God is the source of light and life! He is our shield of protection. He gives us free and unmerited favor. He lifts us up to a place of high renown and honor! He will not hold back His goodness from those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
“Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O LORD, for I give myself to you. O LORD, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me.” (Psalm 86:1-7) There is no need, no emotion, or request that I cannot and should not bring before my Father. He stands ready to hear my requests, and meet my needs. He wants me to bring them to Him.
“For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.” (Psalm 86:10) There is no other God – no other being like Him. His deeds are unparalleled.
“Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O LORD my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death.” (Psalm 86:11-13) When I seek God, when I make finding Him and obedience to Him my priority, He will be found. I will see and understand His great love for me and for mankind. When I understand this love, I will not be silent. I will praise Him with all I have.
“But you, O LORD, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15) God is full of concern for our suffering and misfortune. It is His very character to show forgiveness towards mankind – who sin against Him. It is within His power to harm or punish us – and yet instead we are extended love and forgiveness. We need only to admit what we have done, and ask Him for it. God will never be unloving – He will never be unfaithful. He is the author and perfector of these traits.
What state do you find your heart in right now? What need do you have that only God in His perfection can fill? Take it to Him. In the meantime, get alone, open up the Psalms and let His word be a balm of healing and encouragement to you.
Blessings!