In the midst of difficult circumstances, we tend to forget about God. We think he is not listening, is unconcerned with our issues, does not hear when we cry out and certainly will not answer our prayers. The enemy wants us to look at the reality of our lives and become self-absorbed, lose sight of God, forget about others, and host a pity party. When faced with difficult situations, it is important to remember the truths of God’s Word.
God is good (Psalms 100:5 and Psalm 136:1).
Everything he does is for our good (Rom. 8:28-29).
We should also not lose sight of God’s grace, and the reality that no matter how hard life gets, it could be much worse. Our challenges and hardships, presents opportunities for us to worship God simply for who he is. Life’s valleys restore our gratitude.
King David, the man after God’s own heart, made a regular practice of knowing God, the names of God, the attributes of God, God’s purposes, and David’s responsibility to worship in light of these truths. David would worship by presenting truths about God through prayers and songs.
In Psalm 18, David reveals that
God is:
- My rock, my fortress, my deliver; in whom I take refuge (verse 2)
- One who shows himself faithful to the faithful, blameless to the blameless, pure to the pure (verse 25-26)
- My support (verse 18b)
- The one who rescues me because he delights in me (verse 19b)
- The one who saves the humble (verse 27a)
- A shield for those who take refuge in him (verse 30b)
- Arms me with strength and makes my way perfect (verse 32)
- Trains my hands for battle (verse 34a)
- Gives me, the shield of victory, sustains me with his right hand, stoops down to make me great (verse 35)
- Broadens the path beneath me to so that my ankles do not turn (verse 36)
When in the valley, we must know God. We must know and meditate on the truths of his Word.
Words of Assurance from Psalms 91:14—16
Because (insert your name here) love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him/her; I will protect him/her, for s/he acknowledges my name. s/he will call upon me, and I will answer him/her; I will be with him/her in trouble, I will deliver him/her and honor him/her. With long life will I satisfy him/her and show him/her my salvation.
© Natasha Sistrunk Robinson 2012
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 