From anguish to trust

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalms 40:1-4

Christian life involves fighting over despair and hopelessness. This happens when we allow doubt and unbelief fill our hearts. The Psalmist expressed this condition but instead of being overcome by anguish, he decided to turn to God in prayer. God promised to change our heart when we surrender ourselves to Him. “He refreshes my soul” (Psalms 23:3 NIV). Realization of God’s promise of hope and strength do not happen automatically. We have to decide that we will not allow emotions of distress and sorrow overcome us but instead let the Holy Spirit work His will in our lives. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV). It is God’s delight that His child will experience peace and joy. The Psalmist from the text cried out in anguish for he knew that God alone could lift him up out in the mire of despair. Such deliverance because of trust in God will prove to others that God’s power is at work. It proves to those who do not put their trust in Him that they can trust God with confidence and turn to Him from the idols that they used to worship (v. 4). Do not let your anguish overwhelm you instead ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief. Meditate on His word and remind yourself of His promises. Trust that He is in control and always remember that He is aware of what is going on in your life. “I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things” (Isaiah 45:5-7 NLT). Don’t give in to despair, call to Him and let Him change your heart from feeling of anguish to confident trust.

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com