Difficult Circumstances

I don’t begrudge difficult circumstances. That’s not to say in the middle of hard times that I don’t become discouraged, angry, fearful, etc, but I understand that every situation has its purpose. It creates a desperation inside of my soul, an opportunity for growth and change, a way out or way into a place I need to be. In those times, I find myself reaching for the Lord more than usual, leaning on His guidance, crying out to Him, depending on Him…like I was meant to do.

Psalm 143 is prayer of desperation from David, a prayer that perhaps we can look at more closely as we consider our difficulties, one that we can mimic and allow to become our prayer. Specifically, let’s take a look at verses 4-10:

“My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on the work of your hands.” In David’s overwhelming circumstances, he remembers what the Lord has already done for Him, he thinks on it, dwells on it. We must do the same.

“I spread out my hands to you; I am like parched land before you.Selah” David takes on a physical posture of surrender. He extends his arms in a desperate motion, lifting them to God in his despair; his soul is dry, sun-scorched, withered, lifeless…he is thirsty for the Living God. We must be the same.

“Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, or I will be like those going down to the Pit. Let me experience your faithful love in the morning, for I trust in you.” David petitions God at the most intense point of his anguish, requesting God’s mercy and His grace. We must do the same.

“Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to you. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD; I come to you for protection. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.” David’s focus changes—his agony is not the focus. Receiving God’s protection and guidance becomes superior to his own pain. It must be the same for us.

Today, whether you are currently experiencing difficult times or not, like David, be willing to stop and remember the Lord, cry out to him and thirst for Him, ask for His mercy and grace, and request His protection and guidance. He will meet you where you are and lead you where you need to go.