When All Around My Soul Gives Way

You've probably noticed that our world is messed up. Whether you're looking at financial, political, or social needs and frustrations, things seem to go from bad to worse. The harder you look, the more helpless you feel, the less sleep you get, and the harder it is to get up in the morning.

We seek and find escape or relief in different ways--entertainment, friends, busyness--but we always return to the difficulties and challenges of daily life.

I found it interesting to note that the people of Jesus' day experienced those same things: an oppressive government, inequality of power and resources, violence, discord, racism, disease, hunger.  And when Jesus walked the earth they came to Him for different reasons. The scribes and Pharisees sought to straighten Him out. In the event that didn't work, perhaps a sign would appease them. His disciples wanted to please the Pharisees--and be fed. The people wanted immediate healing, relief and comfort. Everyone wanted something from Jesus.

But Jesus is who He is. He doesn't change according to our need. He doesn't change according to our wants, our influence, importance, wealth, or demands. Nor does He change according to His. He is who He is.

To the hurting, He brings healing. To the hungry, He is the Bread of Life. To the thirsty, He is Living Water. For those in despair, He is the Light of the world. For the proud and rebellious, He is the Judge of the living and the dead. For the lost, He is the Good Shepherd.

Jesus' provision looks very different than our expectation, but it is always better. The question then, isn't "Why doesn't Jesus do _____ for me?" The question is, "What do I want from Jesus?" and "Why?"

God graciously brings us to the point of needing Him for who He is instead of what we want. It's so easy to fall into wanting Jesus to meet my wants and needs, seeing myself at the center of life instead of turning it around and putting Him at the center, giving myself to be used according to His purpose and design.

The world will continue to spin out of control, but I can set my heart and mind on His way and provision, giving thanks and experiencing joy in spite of it.

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in You I trust,
Do not let me be ashamed;
Do not let my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed;
Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Your lovingkindness remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.
All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth
To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
His soul will abide in prosperity,
And his descendants will inherit the land.
The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
My eyes are continually toward the Lord,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses.
Look upon my affliction and my trouble,
And forgive all my sins.
Look upon my enemies, for they are many,
And they hate me with violent hatred.
Guard my soul and deliver me;
Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.
Redeem Israel, O God,
Out of all his troubles. (Psalm 25)