And as I wrote each question for each Psalm, I paused and wondered which girl would receive what verse and what it would mean in the present state of her life.
When I saw Psalm 51:8, I thought to myself, “Whoever picks this is going to be going through a rough time right now…”
And as I opened my pocket today, I almost laughed as I read its words.
Yup, I’m definitely going through a rough time right now.
When I say I’m miserable, I’m miserable. I am fighting through misery to understand why God has me where He has me these days. My heart is torn in fifty-million directions, aching and confused. I don’t blame God for what I’m feeling, but neither do I know how to thank Him or find joy in my every day for what He has given me.
It is so easy to let a heart grow heavy and anxious. It is so easy to not rejoice in His goodness. It is so easy to complain, to cry, to pity oneself.
I can’t find peace. I can’t find joy.
But stress finds me. Jealousy finds me. Anger resides in my heart.
Admittedly I haven’t been spending much time with God lately. As it has a habit of doing, time moves so quickly, and in busyness, unfortunately, I fail to make a priority in intentionally spend time with Him and Him alone.
I prayed today when I returned home, and my hands went searching through my library. Ten books I pulled down from the shelves and sat, flipping open to random pages, praying for vision, direction, comfort, understanding, and peace.
Lovingly, God always obliges when I ransack my shelving, taking me to pages that offer wisdom, comfort, and sense.
My soul, practice being alone with Christ. O my soul, practice that solitude! Practice dismissing the crowd! Practice the stillness of your heart! (Streams in the Desert)
Stand firmly in the place where your dear Lord has put you, and do your best there…The strongest and greatest character is grown through hardship. (Streams in the Desert)
Linda didn’t fit in with the rest of the crowd, but the teacher fought for her, adored her, and gave her a way out. God still loves me if no one else does, and He fights for me. (Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul)
When we worship in these hard places, we are reminded that none of it is about us—it’s about God. (What Happens When Women Say Yes to God)
Stand firmly in the place where your dear Lord has put you, and do your best there…The strongest and greatest character is grown through hardship. (Streams in the Desert)
Linda didn’t fit in with the rest of the crowd, but the teacher fought for her, adored her, and gave her a way out. God still loves me if no one else does, and He fights for me. (Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul)
When we worship in these hard places, we are reminded that none of it is about us—it’s about God. (What Happens When Women Say Yes to God)
Courage in suffering. (A Man Worth Waiting For)
The true nature of a heart is seen in the response to the unattractive. (And the Angels Were Silent)
The true nature of a heart is seen in the response to the unattractive. (And the Angels Were Silent)
Pray in three areas for your future spouse. (The Love Dare)
Young girl, I tell you to stand up! Talitha, koum! (The Greatest Moments in the Life of Christ)
All of these notes mingled together, offering both unanimous and singular advice.
Then I read on through more of the Psalms, let the saddened feelings of David resonate within my own worries, but taking to heart his moments filled with light, worship, and hope.
Please give me peace for the coming days, God, and help me to remain close to You. For there is no peace with You. No joy. No hope. Please help me stay close, keeping You at the center of my weak heart.
