Erratic pain / Reliable peace

Take a look at this heart cry to God from David in what is known as one of the four ‘Passion Psalms.’

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near,
 and no one else can help me.
 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
 fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
 Like lions they open their jaws against me,
roaring and tearing into their prey.
 My life is poured out like water,
 and all my bones are out of joint.
 My heart is like wax,
 melting within me.
 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
 My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
 You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
 an evil gang closes in on me.
 They have pierced my hands and feet.
 I can count all my bones.
 My enemies stare at me and gloat.
 They divide my garments among themselves
 and throw dice for my clothing. Psalm 22:11-18 (NLT)

Can you relate with David this week? Does the vivid and poetic imagery paint a picture that even slightly resembles a piece of your life in this very moment? Take a second to inventory your current life situation…and then read the passage above again. Does your heart feel like it’s melting away? Are you surrounded? Does your fate seem hopeless? For David, all of the above were true…but there is hope! Somehow, David transitions from this feeling of almost certain impending doom to strength and restoration. Now, take a look at what he shares with us in the very next chapter…the well-known Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT)

There will always be many different things in life that cause us to feel the tone of Psalm 22 in our heart, but the essence of Psalm 23 will always and forever be Jesus! This week, may you boldly tell Jesus what you need…accept the peace and rest that He offers…and then let Him renew you so you’re ready for tomorrow’s journey. May you also do all of this to bring glory to His name through your life.