Be Real with God
Opening Prayer
Lord God, keep me faithful to You today. Whatever comes, I will endeavor to trust You in all things.
Read PSALM 142:1-7
[1] A
Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“Prayer is the time you spend with God talking and listening to each other just as you would your best friend. God loves you unconditionally. You can be real with God” (Mark Taylor).
Think Further
We Christians are indeed blessed, but we are not immune from the struggles of being human. We all face crises. Where do we go in such times? Many people turn to alcohol, medication or false relationships. These only deepen the hole they are in. The psalmist David knows where to go. His situation is dire. He is in the Cave of Adullam, pursued by Saul. With him is his family, others in distress and debt, those with bitterness of soul–400 men in all (1 Sam. 22:1-2). This is David’s prayer from this situation. Perhaps David sat in the cave, singing this song with his harp for the community. It was embraced and preserved.
This 3,000-year-old prayer is a lament to God, a cry for his mercy (1), one of some 50 laments in the Psalter. David unashamedly pours forth his complaint to God (2). He openly states that he has nothing left. However, he knows that God understands his situation (3a). He speaks openly of his opponents, despite their being Saul and the full forces of Israel (3b). He speaks of his isolation and loneliness (4). In verses 5-7 he turns to direct appeal, pleading with God, knowing that “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” God is his everything and his only hope (5). He pleads for deliverance (6-7a). Why? So he can glorify God with gratitude (7). So that he will no longer be surrounded by his enemies, but by the righteous.
What are you facing? The story of Christmas is that God has come among us (Matt. 1:23). He knows our pain; he knows our suffering. Praise God, he is always with us (Matt. 28:20). Do not be afraid to turn to him. Bare your heart and allow him to bring succor and hope.
Apply
Allow yourself to feel. Open up to God. Be real. Pour it out. He can handle anything. Rise. Give thanks. Continue on in the journey. God is with you.
Closing prayer
Ever-listening God, even when I vent, I know You are listening. I thank and praise You for Your patience, understanding and wisdom. How great You are.
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