How To Move Through Suffering And Come Back StrongerSample

Donna Gibbs:  How to Move Through Suffering and Come Back Stronger Devotional Day 4

Leaning Into God

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-3

If you are stuck, then you are also probably feeling disconnected from God. You may feel He has abandoned you. Or maybe you’ve chosen to abandon Him because you no longer believe He has the power to intervene in your life. You may feel He doesn’t care or that He is against you instead of for you. You may go to church and find it stale and routine. You may read Scripture and feel it is dry. You may be really angry. God, who promised His ways are not intended to be harmful, has allowed something horrendous to enter your life. You may feel betrayed by Him. You may be disappointed in His protection. 

A season of spiritual struggle following a tragedy or disappointment is normal. We have a relationship with God, and that relationship naturally will be stronger at certain times than others. However, when we become stuck due to destructive theology or thinking, we are vulnerable to a chronic disconnect. You see, God is a gentleman, so He is not forceful. When we want our space, He allows it. Unfortunately, our struggle can become our primary focus. We don’t intend to worship our suffering, but when we become stuck, we unintentionally become excessively devoted to it. This excessive devotion may develop into a form of unintentional idolatry that has prolonged a normal period of spiritual struggle into a long-term disconnection from God. 

One thing is for sure—God desires you, whether or not you feel He does. He is the greatest source of your resilience, and this disconnect must be addressed for you to bounce back from the hurts that have kept you stuck. Bridging the disconnect will require risk. You may feel you can’t trust God anymore. You may be afraid of what He will do with your faith in Him or your pursuit of that relationship. I encourage you to lean in to that unknown. 

I am reminded of Psalms in which David cried out to God in anguish and desperation. Let’s follow his lead and cry out to God today. Lay out your mess before Him. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and transparent. Invite God into a discussion about the areas of your life that you may have previously prohibited Him from entering. What do you have to lose? 

Spend some time crying out to God about what you are suffering today.