Week 5
Psalm 42:9, 11
9 I say to God, my rock: Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? …11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Do you ever wonder when you encounter difficult things in life and it causes you to think or even shout out WHY? Five years ago my wife and I recognized God’s blessings in our lives. We are part of a great church community, have a strong marriage that’s financially sound with two stable biological children in a house with extra room. We also felt God calling us to make room in all aspects of our life to become foster parents. We started this journey feeling encouraged and strengthened by God to pour into these kids every day, week, or month they spent in our home.
It did not take long to realize when we brought the pain and suffering these children previously endured or the fear from separation of everything they know into our home it had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. There were days when I lamented to God, “God you blessed us with so much. We are doing what we feel you have called us to do and we know is right, why is this not working? Why is this more difficult than it should be? Did you really call us to do this?”
Throughout life we encounter pain, discomfort, brokenness, and sorrow which can cause us to lament out to God because we cannot comprehend why such things happen. What has helped me is knowing that in our lack of understanding God has a purpose in our lives. We may not understand what is effecting us in the present, yet we can have hope in God for He is omniscient and omnipotent and has a perfect plan designed for our lives.
Is there something in your life which is causing you to lament? I encourage you to bring it to God in prayer, trust in Him knowing He has a plan for you, and praise Him for He is worthy of all our praise!
Jeremiah 29:11-12 (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Do you ever wonder when you encounter difficult things in life and it causes you to think or even shout out WHY? Five years ago my wife and I recognized God’s blessings in our lives. We are part of a great church community, have a strong marriage that’s financially sound with two stable biological children in a house with extra room. We also felt God calling us to make room in all aspects of our life to become foster parents. We started this journey feeling encouraged and strengthened by God to pour into these kids every day, week, or month they spent in our home.
It did not take long to realize when we brought the pain and suffering these children previously endured or the fear from separation of everything they know into our home it had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives. There were days when I lamented to God, “God you blessed us with so much. We are doing what we feel you have called us to do and we know is right, why is this not working? Why is this more difficult than it should be? Did you really call us to do this?”
Throughout life we encounter pain, discomfort, brokenness, and sorrow which can cause us to lament out to God because we cannot comprehend why such things happen. What has helped me is knowing that in our lack of understanding God has a purpose in our lives. We may not understand what is effecting us in the present, yet we can have hope in God for He is omniscient and omnipotent and has a perfect plan designed for our lives.
Is there something in your life which is causing you to lament? I encourage you to bring it to God in prayer, trust in Him knowing He has a plan for you, and praise Him for He is worthy of all our praise!
Jeremiah 29:11-12 (ESV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Join the group for some fantastic discussion!
Posted in Praying the Psalms