When truth meets sorrow

“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.

I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.

Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame.

I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.”

Psalm 119: 25–32. 25

Yes, it is month’s later, but my soul is still weary with sorrow. The events of the summer that removed our home, friends, ministry…still brings heavy waves of sorrow, grief, and pain.

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Looking back, I can say with David, that my strength has come from God’s Word. It is not a “once and done” experience. Everyday I am like a new slate, a needy new slate that has to run to God’s truth. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

My understanding of the situation can only be helped by His truth. God has done, is doing, and will do marvelous deeds….I may not see them, he may that reveal them to me, but he is doing them to bring his name glory.

I want to say that I am content with that, content with his timing, content with his ways. Honestly, I am a pilgrim who struggles with being content with the long dusty path, this rocky journey that God has us on. Yet, God does breakthrough to my dense heart, and those breakthroughs only come when he is washing me with his Word.

O Lord, take this raw and unedited prayer as I look to your healing that I can find only in your Word, that place where my false thinking is correct by your eternal truth and perfect character…

I am laid low in the dust. Lift me from the ashes—by your Word.

I am full of guilt. Alter my false thinking—by your Word.

I feel at fault for all of this mess. Redeem me and every mistake for your glory—by your Word.

I am still confused. Make it clear—in your time, by your truth.

I feel alone. Encourage me with your presence—by your Word.

I don’t know where to go. Give me your refuge until you move me forward—by your Word.

I fear repeating the same mistakes. Direct me and lead me—by your Word.

I am full of shame. Correct my thinking and restore my heart—by your Word.