Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Choosing to trust

This psalm begins with the writer crying out for answers, looking to understand why it seems God has abandoned him. Have you ever felt forgotten by God? The psalmist asks God for understanding and hope, saying “Lord please help me understand how any of this makes sense. How could this situation fit with you being just?” We have all felt like this at one point in our lives, thinking “this isn’t fair, how is this just?”

Many times in the Bible, if someone prays they are given a direct response (consider Job 38 where God speaks from the storm, or the angel in Daniel 10 who visits Daniel after persistent prayer). So far as we know, the psalmist doesn’t receive a response to this prayer. What we are left with is not an audible voice, but the psalmist remembering God’s promises. He chooses to trust and rejoice, despite the unpleasant circumstances.

When life is difficult we can have difficult questions – we can choose to go to God with those questions, or we can choose to turn away from God. It’s okay to call out to God, and it’s okay to wrestle with Him to understand how He is acting in your situation – but don’t forget that our God is the one who has been generous for giving us life, giving us salvation, and is worthy of praise regardless of what is going on in your life right now.

Prayer

God, let me trust you enough to pray what I’m really thinking. You know my thoughts, you know my heart – I am confused right now. What is going on right now doesn’t make any sense to me. Please show me what I should do, and please God, take away this difficult situation. I know you are in control so please do something. I don’t see things the way you do, but I know you have a plan. Help me to trust, and give me strength to get through today.