My Psalm of Lament

I'm currently attending a bible study about the Book of Psalms. The assignment this week is reading some of the psalms of lament and praying them for ourselves.

I wrote this psalm based on Psalms 44, 74 & 79. Keep in mind that I modeled it purposely with the Old Testament spin of asking "Why" instead of "What?" (When Jesus came, he changed our relationship with God to more of a Father/child which means we ask "What;" as in "What am I supposed to be learning?" ) I thought about changing my psalm, but I think the whys are more relatable because that's what I ask when I'm truly lamenting. And this just proves that when I'm feeling overwhelmed and desperate, I'm seperated from God. When I start asking "Why" it really is time to pray; to get back under God's shield.

God, you have performed great miracles for the Israelites and in my lifetime I have felt Your hand pull me through many moments. It is only through You that I succeed.

But now you have brought hardship into my life that overwhelms and scares me. You've humbled me by making me realize my weaknesses and my ineptitude. I know my heart turned away and my feet slipped. I gave up on Your love and thought I could survive without You. Now I've learned how much I need You.

Why do you reject me, O God? Please remember me and do not reject me forever. Do not forget my misery. Rise up and help me. Redeem me with Your unfailing love.

My situation tempts me and I try to resist, but I sometimes slip. I struggle with my inabilities and my lack of faith. How long will you allow me to be tempted and stressed by this? You've given me miraculous signs in the past and I wait for them now.

Why do you hold back your right hand? Take if from the folds of your garment and help me. You, God, bring salvation upon the earth. You created the earth; you established the sun and the moon. You alone have the power to save me.

Please don't allow me to be without your grace; I will praise your name and give glory to You.

How long, O Lord, will you be angry with me? How long will you discipline me? When will I learn your lesson and be done with this stress? Why should I have to cry, "Where is my God?"

Help me, O God my Savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver me and atone for my sins for your name's sake. Save me from my situation and I will praise you forever. I will share Your saving grace to my children and their children and to all who read my words.

Music Pick of the Week, Month, Probably Year

I've been listening to Third Day's new CD "Revelation." It is so awesome. I can't tell you how much the words touch my soul. This is worship rock at it's best! And it rocks!

I highly recommend the CD. It'll enhance your spiritual experience. (And they're not paying me for this!)

Master or Father

I had a huge "A-Ha" moment this week during my Psalms bible study. It happened while comparing some of the "Kingdom" psalms to the use of "kingdom" by Jesus in the book of Matthew.

In the Psalms, God is King and we are His servants. We and everything else on Earth praise Him as He sits on His throne. He deserves our worship as He has performed awesome miracles for us.

In Matthew, the Kingdom is in Heaven where God is our Father. In this relationship, we are His children, not servants.

I like the imagery of God disciplining us as a parent directs their child. It's out of love and for their own good. God as a master punishing servants for their disobedience is much colder. If someone doesn't understand or has been introduced to God the Father as described in Matthew, they might have a harder time loving God with all their heart and soul.

God is our loving Father. He protects us, He guides us and His love is neverending. Reading the scripture, the words He inspired, brings you closer.

Finding the Right Path

Dear Lord,

Please send your Holy Spirit to help me keep my heart vigilent on you. I've learned that where my heart is, my actions will follow. Help me stop using derogatory words and put devious talk far from me. Instead, I pray that my eyes look directly forward and on you at all times. I will more carefully think about my path and pray for direction so that I will always be sure I'm following you. I wish to turn from evil. I know that in your light is where I want to be. Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Based on Proverbs 4:23-27:

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devioustalk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.