Conversations

One of the most interesting things about my life experience is that people have always felt comfortable sharing their stories with me.

And in the last week I have had conversations with…

A family who lost a loved one.

A preacher who is discouraged.

Parents who are worried about the world their children are growing up in.

Workers who are still adjusting to the “new normal” of work.

Community leaders who are burdened by the needs of the people they serve.

Church leaders who are afraid of what the future holds for their congregations.

A couple in financial debt.

A person who is trying to manage a health issue.

People are overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed by pressure.

Overwhelmed by worry.

Overwhelmed by anxiety.

Overwhelmed by discouragement.

Overwhelmed by life.

So, where do you turn and to whom do you turn when you feel overwhelmed?

In the Old Testament, David was often overwhelmed by the challenges he faced…

And, fortunately for us, he wrote about it.

Like this, in Psalm 56.

Be merciful to me, my God,
    for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
    all day long they press their attack.
² My adversaries pursue me all day long;
    in their pride many are attacking me.

³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
⁴     In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

⁵ All day long they twist my words;
    all their schemes are for my ruin.
⁶ They conspire, they lurk,
    they watch my steps,
    hoping to take my life.
⁷ Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;
    in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

⁸ Record my misery;
    list my tears on your scroll—
    are they not in your record?
⁹ Then my enemies will turn back
    when I call for help.
    By this I will know that God is for me.

¹⁰ In God, whose word I praise,
    in the Lord, whose word I praise—
¹¹ in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can man do to me?

¹² I am under vows to you, my God;
    I will present my thank offerings to you.
¹³ For you have delivered me from death
    and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
    in the light of life.

When overwhelmed, David turned to God…

…by trusting God,

…by worshipping God,

…by reading God’s Word,

…by praising God,

…by walking with God in obedience.

In doing so, David gives us a game plan for when we are overwhelmed by life.

So, this week, in the midst of our challenges, let’s respond…

…by trusting God,

…by worshipping God,

…by reading God’s Word,

…by praising God,

…by walking with God in obedience.

And, maybe next week our conversations will sound different.