WHERE'S MY FOCUS?
- Key Verse
- "[S]ave me because of your unfailing love." (Psalm 6:4b)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
David's total emotional state changed immediately when he focused on God's character and sovereignty, rather than his own circumstances and pain. My circumstances can change daily, but God's love, that UNFAILING love, brings peace in any situation we bring before Him.
Reflections
Reading Psalm 6 immediately made me think of a typical American sitcom. There's all kinds of chaos, emotion, and anguish. And then the problems are solved completely in 30 minutes. In this psalm, David is lamenting his illness that is causing pain both physically (v. 2-"my bones are in agony") and emotionally/spiritually (v. 3-"[m]y soul is in anguish"). However, in a matter of 10 verses, David goes from woe to worship. How did he do that so fast?I see here that David went to God with his pain and complaining (was REAL with God). He acknowledged dependence on God's mercy, not his own merit. He reminded himself of TRUTH—God is loving and answers prayer. Finally, he acknowledged in faith that God had heard him, and he believed that God would work on his behalf. Wow! Just like that, David turns it around. In verse 8 David seems to say, "The Lord has heard me!" OK, away from me all those negative thoughts and destructive emotions. He is there. He cares. He'll fix it.
Our dear old friend Jim ate dinner with us last night. He has a terminal brain tumor and has difficulty speaking. This former Navy pilot is a great example of embracing what God brings your way. He committed his situation to God and rests in every day he's given to live, enjoying his wife, loving his teenage boys and being a blessing to others. He's kind of like David.
I can rise above my circumstances, get God's eternal perspective, and live according to His truth instead of focusing on how I might feel at the moment. I need to reject destructive thoughts (v. 8), cry to God for His truth, and then in faith acknowledge and accept God's work, will, and sovereignty in my life. I'm guessing, but I bet after David prayed that prayer his bones were still in agony, but his soul was no longer in anguish. My perspective can change immediately, too. I don't have to stew for hours or days or more. It only took David 10 verses. Isn't that encouraging?
Discussion Questions
1. Is there something in my life causing my "bones to be in agony" or my "soul to be in anguish"?2. What promises can I claim from God's Word that will help me have His perspective on my situation?
3. Do I really trust God and want His will in my life? Will I accept what He brings into my life?
4. Do I hold on to pain/wrongs in my life because someone doesn't "deserve" to be forgiven?
5. If my agony and anguish go deep, am I willing to talk with someone who might be able to help me finally be free?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Kim Lammons
January 8, 2010 05:42 AM
I copied the steps you outlined in the second paragraph and put them in my Bible as a reminder when I am wanting my circumstances to change and it is my perspective that needs to change. Thanks for the devo.
Sam Shoquist
January 8, 2010 07:26 AM
Libby,great devotional. As I read your comments Colt McCoy came to mind. Within minutes he was knocked out of the biggest game of his life. But after the game was over on national TV, with emotions running over, he stayed true to his Savior, acknowledged his faith in Jesus Christ (his rock) rising above his present circumstances of extreme disappointment. WOW! What a role model! Thank you for your insight into these verses.
Mary Ann Gay
January 8, 2010 07:52 AM
I am reminded of my favorite song in reference to these verses and your inspired words. You are brighter than my darkest night Stronger than my toughest fight Just one touch from You my King my Friend And I’ll never be the same again Oh break through all my pain Break through all my guilt and my shame Break through like only You can do Oh break through like only You can do Oh God…break through like only You can do Oh yea, oh break through.
Bill McGee
January 8, 2010 07:58 AM
Libby, Thanks for your thoughtful devotional this morning. It was a strong reminder that God is able to redeem any condition or situation, even those that are dire or terminal. Maintaining an eternal perspective is so important as we face the various trials in our lives.
myra
January 8, 2010 08:16 AM
wow. I pray to apply this more consistently. Many blessings as God enlarges your family!
Jennifer Raulie
January 8, 2010 09:03 AM
Libby, thank you for your thoughtful insights and this good reminder...my soul is now less burdened this morning.
Terri
January 8, 2010 09:24 AM
Hi Libby, thanks for sharing your heart and reminding all of us to keep our eyes on Jesus despite whatever current circumstances we might be facing. He is the answer to every question and He is able to do more then we ask or imagine.
Casey
January 8, 2010 09:26 AM
GREAT perspective Libby! Thank you for blessing me (and many others) this morning!
Keith Tooley
January 8, 2010 09:49 AM
Wonderful devotional Libby! My circumstances are not great right now, but God IS. I am finding that if I just focus on loving and trusting Him more, the right things will come out of that. (Luke 12:31)
Laurie Carlson
January 8, 2010 10:48 AM
Thanks Libby! I am so glad we have the Psalms in the bible. David models real faith in journaling his emotions to God knowing God can take it. And usually somewhere in that honest communication with his Savior, he comes back to a true understanding of who God is, no matter what the circumstances. God is good, all the time!
Ruth Sahm
January 8, 2010 11:00 AM
Libby, "Thanks! I needed that!" 2009 was a rough year, and circumstances of 2010 are still a bit shaky. Thank you for reminding me of God's faithfulness and omnipotence. Congrats on the new sons!
David Redding
January 8, 2010 11:07 AM
Very timely Libby, thank you. Ditto to Sam's post. I too thought of Colt and even being an Aggie I could see that this kid had moved through the same stages as David had in this passage - pain, tears, agony, acknowledgement and faith; and in few short hours, he was composed and clearly had put his trust and resolve on the shoulder's of Jesus Christ, WOW! What a fantastic current example of eternal perspective and purpose.
Nicole Oncale
January 8, 2010 11:23 AM
Thanks for your encouraging words, thanks for reminding me God is trustworthy and faithful.
Terry Melle
January 8, 2010 11:25 AM
Libby - this is so right on, and your questions - I won't specify which :-) - absolutely hit the bulls-eye in a coaching relationship I'm in. Thanks,
Dick Miller
January 8, 2010 12:58 PM
Libby, Thank you for that great lesson on life now in light of an etenal perspective. I needed that. Satan works real hardto try to convince us that this is all that there is. His lie (the father of lies). Blessings on you and Chuck.
Chip Smith
January 9, 2010 06:48 AM
This is a wonderful log, Libby. Your breakdown of how David went from woe to worship is very practical and helpful. Then your admiration of your friend Jim touched me deeply. What a testimony of the power of God to help us even when our lives take a turn for the worse. To worship and rejoice in the midst of adversity because we have a God who is real and we can be real with knowing that He is a constant friend who wants to meet our every need and comfort us with His presence. Wow! Thank you for a great life's lesson.
Melanie Azachi
January 12, 2010 02:00 PM
Libby - I loved this - I just read it and then reread it. You are so eloquent in your words and sincere in your reflections. I for one, am guilty of holding on to woe far too long. I am inspired by your translation and will put the 10 verse rule into principle. I feel blessed in knowing you - Thank You for sharing.