The Strength of My Life

"Whether your pain is a result of heartbreak, doubt, weakness, finances, or worry, God can handle your emotions. He knows your stress and longs to bring you comfort and strength in your time of need." Kathy Spampinato

At times, we feel like life is overwhelming and we just want an escape. We can find ourselves filled with heartache and tears, wondering what to do, and what it will take to get out. We might decide to ignore the problem and pretend we’re fine, isolate for a few days, or run to a friend for solace. There must be some way to avoid making the hard choice, doing the hard thing, or dealing with the hard situation! We search for a way of escape from difficulty, but do not find it. We try to place the blame for our problem on something or someone else, to avoid the weight and the shame of responsibility. Our strong desire to run from trouble and hardship is very human, and very common. We want life to be enjoyable, pleasant, and fulfilling, but sometimes it is not. We are not sure how this happened or what to do about it, but avoiding the problem does not make it any better. Where do we turn for help?

The Psalms put words to many situations of heartbreaking difficulty. The authors have poured out their pain and grief in utter honesty. They acknowledge the stress and turmoil of their souls and diligently seek relief. They are filled with doubt and worry and call out to God for help. Their words can illuminate a new path and show us that we are not alone in our distress.

Psalm 38:9-10 “O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes- it also has gone from me.”

Psalm 143: 1,3-4,6-10 ESV “Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore, my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.

I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit…. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD! I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your Spirit lead me on level ground!”

We know from these Psalms that King David learned how to call out to God in his distress. The Lord was his answer in a time of need. He doesn’t try to appear like he’s fine. He is honest in crying out for help, knowing that God is his strength.

Psalm 73:26,28: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”

Psalm 27: 1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of who shall I be afraid”

Psalm 140:6 “I say to the LORD, you are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!”

These verses give us words to express our heartache. They lead us to pour out our hurting hearts, and turn to God for our help. The outcome of these tough situations shows us that God was there for the Psalmists. He did come through for them in tough times. He was a very present help in their time of trouble, and He will be there for you as well.

Psalm 138:3, 8a “On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”

Psalm 54:4, 6b-7 “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. I will give thanks to your name, O LORD, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.”

My friends, if you find yourself in a difficult situation today, please know that you too can pour out your heart to God. He is listening with a heart of understanding and love. He will lead you when you do not know where to turn. Whether your pain is a result of heartbreak, doubt, weakness, finances, or worry, God can handle your emotions. He knows your stress and longs to bring you comfort and strength in your time of need. He understands the motivations of your heart, and is ready to lead you to His heart of compassion and healing. Turn to Him today!