It’s no secret that I am divorced … a few times. And verse 6 of today’s psalm really got me to thinking about those times: “I am tired of living among people who hate peace.” Though, I wasn’t in an actual war during those times, I grew so tired of the fighting and constant paranoia of not knowing if it was going to be a good day or a bad day. I look back now, from the comfort of my quiet and comfy couch, breeze blowing through the front door, non-wheezing cat nestled up next to my feet, and verse 1 just springs to life! “I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.” Now, to say the Lord just poofed me into permanent happiness would be a complete lie, but to say the Lord prompted me in how to overcome my misery would be the absolute truth. And I didn’t say it was easy. I didn’t go to war or go into hiding and pee in caves like King David, but I did have to give up a lot of things and do a lot of things to get me to this comfy couch with the nice breeze and non-wheezing cat. I guess my point is, God never says we don’t have to do stuff to get to better places. He just says He’ll help us if we ask Him to. This takes initiative on our part. It requires us to “get out of the boat,” if you will — and if you don’t mind me using metaphors from the New Testament. If you’re struggling with how your life is going right now, send God a shout-out and ask Him what the heck you’re supposed to do about it. Then, listen. And take the first step. Your peace awaits.
Sum it up:
I just laid all my troubles on the table,
And said, “Lord, sort this mess, please.
It’s my own doing, I know,
But I can’t undo it without Your help.
I’ll do whatever it takes,
For I know a peace beyond understand awaits.”
Writing prompt: seek peace
Write about a troubled time in your life. If that time is now, ask God what you can do to find peace, and start implementing that change today.
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