Reacting to Distress
I’m back to a place I have avoided for almost two years. This time I am in the new Banner Hospital in Fort Collins. My blood pressure was running high and was experiencing some nominal pain, so we headed to the ER. Most things checkout after blood work, xrays and Cat Scan. However it does seem I have a bowel blockage. So I am staying over night for now. I am feeling better but not quite “up to par.”
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalm 59:16 NLT
As David writes this psalm he is on the run, being hunted like animal by King Saul and his armies. When I look at the circumstances David was facing his response is surprising. He says, “My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.” (Psalm 59:14 NLT)
Throughout the psalm David is imploring the Lord to intervene and to deal with his enemies. He cries out, “Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride…Destroy them in your anger! Wipe them out completely!” (Psalm 5912,13 NLT)
However, the greatest response is how David in spite of real and present danger, he doesn’t accuse the Lord or wallow in fear, instead he sings! He sings to the Lord in worship. He sins about God’s power. He sings about the Lord’s unfailing love. Why? Because the Lord has been for him a consistent refuge and place of safety in distress, and he did not see the Lord changing. David realized what the Lord had been, He would continue to be.
When you face troubles and distress and feel like you are being opposed on every hand and everything is going against you, how do you react? Do you blame God for your troubles? Do you wallow in pity? Do you just give up or give in?
When we focus our attention on the Lord, it changes our view of life even in the most troubling of circumstances. Regardless of what others do, regardless of the real and present danger of your circumstances, go ahead, like David and sing! Focus on the God who is all powerful and full of unfailing love. Focus on the Lord who is a refuge and a place of safety. Allow the Lord to protect you under the shadow of His wings.
You can begin by reciting with confidence the words of David in Psalm 59:14. Refuse to be overcome or overwhelmed by our circumstances. In your mind, rehearse the Lord’s faithfulness to His people and to you. As you do, you will break into singing. Paul and Silas sang in a Philippian jail and the angel of the Lord came and broke off their chains. (Acts 16) Find real confidence and freedom from anxiety and fear through following the example of David and Paul and Silas. Sing!
Prayer for today… “Lord, I choose this day to be one who focuses on You and not on my trouble, trials and circumstances. I remind myself of Your power, unfailing love and how You are a refuge and place of safety for all who trust in You.”