A Little Effort

Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. 

You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!  I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now.  Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me?  Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? 

 And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”  But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! 

Psalm 77:1b-14a NLT

As we go through life, we can certainly get caught up in what's NOT going well around us just as Asaph did in this psalm. It seems easier to see the bad in things rather than the good. That's our human nature "Oh, woe is me!"  However, with a little effort, we can look beyond our circumstances and see God's hand in all of it. Let's intentionally look for God in our days. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Please forgive us for looking at You through eyes of discontent. Remove the scales from our eyes so we can see Your hand of goodness in all You do. Remove the chains of doubt from our minds. Fill our hearts to overflowing with Your love and peace. Let us look always to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen