Flee Or Turn To God?
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Nahum 2:1-13 and Psalm 55:1-23 (NIV)
(Christina Stanley from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 55:1-23 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
It is not difficult to empathise with this psalmist. Betrayed by a companion and familiar friend (v13), utterly distraught and in great anguish (v 4, 5), he wishes he could escape from it all (v 6-8). Yet through his anger, bitterness and despair, he realizes that the only right thing to do is to turn to God to trust Him to deliver justice (v18-19, v23).
APPLY:
But, how many of us can rise above despair like this psalmist? When driven to dark depths, we may be more tempted to flee and hide in the wilderness or seek our own shelter from the storm. But fleeing is the very opposite of calling out to God. To flee is to disavow God’s sovereignty. Choosing to stay in the storm with Him, trusting that He will deliver justice, is acknowledging His Lordship. Because we know, with confidence, that He will redeem our souls in safety from the battle we wage (v18).
I am assured by the psalmist that the Lord hears my complaints and moans (v17); and that He can feel and see my anguish. Yet, so often I flee from seemingly insurmountable challenges, hoping that they will resolve on their own, or worse still, I become indifferent. The call is to cast my burden on the Lord, trusting and believing that He will sustain me through His wisdom and strength.
DO:
I serve a personal andloving God, whom. I will turn to, instinctively, intentionally and intuitively when I face challenges and heartaches especially when walking in the storm. I know He will sensitise my heart to His Spirit as He guides me through painful seasons.
PRAY:
Lord, I know that whatever storms I face in my life, You have already experienced them before me, You will not leave or forsake me (Deut 31:8). Forgive me for the many times I have tried to cope on my own, or worse still, become indifferent and ignoring the storm. Help me Lord to hold on to You and cast my burden on You, Lord, trusting with all my heart that You will sustain and deliver me. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
