You Are My God

“Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 CBS)

The Psalmist is feeling overwhelmed, he is greatly distressed.  His eyes are worn out with frustration and his life is being consumed with grief. (v.9-10) Greif and stress has taken its toll on him and he is at the end of his rope.  It would be easy for him to continue to turn inward and slide down the hole of despair and depression.  But he turns his gaze to the Lord and says, “But I trust you Lord; I say, “You are my God.” The course of my life is in your power, rescue me from the power of my enemies and from my persecutors.” (v.14-15)     

The Psalmist recognizes where his help will come from and he turns to the only one who can rescue him.  This is very important for those who are feeling like life has run them over.  It’s easy to blame others, it’s easy to drown in our sorrows.  But it is difficult for us to raise our heads and turn to God who is waiting.  I think this happens for several reasons, one being pride.  It’s hard for us to admit our need for help and we hate to admit we are wrong.  Second, we get into ruts and it feels like it’s impossible to get out of the hole we are in and we get comfortable there.  It becomes what we “know” and we are more afraid of freedom because it is “unknown”.   Think of a battered wife who refuses to leave her abusive husband—to leave would take her into the unknown and it scares her more than what she knows.

I want to encourage you this morning with the words of the Psalmist, be strong!  Turn from what is holding you down and turn to God who is your strength and hope.  Be courageous to step out into the unknown and trust the Lord with all your heart.  Put your hope in the Lord and know how much he loves you!  Know he will fight for you and lift you out of the desolate pit and place your feet upon a rock.  He will put a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Only trust him and declare, “You are my God!”