I’m laying it all for you this morning… just being honest. With a couple Bible studies on the horizon… lots of taping and writing… I am struggling with a lack of motivation, passion, and drive. I’m easily distracted and finding it difficult to concentrate on the work before me. I haven’t felt this way in a long time. I know that it’s good to take a break sometimes but this break has turned into a long stretch of time. I’m not sure why… maybe it’s because teaching Daniel and Ezekiel 38 and 39 took a lot out of me, or the summer months are making me more relaxed, but I’ve been struggling to get my head back in the game. I would definitely covet your prayers.
This morning, I was reading through the Psalms and I came across Psalm 42 and it hit me… the Psalmist had some of the same struggles. He was discouraged and sad and he didn’t know why. In that moment, though, he offered some practical advice that I needed to hear this morning. These things I have already known and I often practiced, but I needed the reminder. You may have something similar going in your life and you may need this reminder too.
The Psalmist writes…
I will PRAISE him again! Oh yes! As soon as I read this, I listened to a couple praise songs that literally lift me up every time I hear them. I sang out loud. One is called “Call it Grace” by Unspoken:
It's the light that pierces through you
To the darkest hidden place
It knows your deepest secrets
But it never looks away
It's the gentle hand that pulls you
From the judgment of the crowd
When you stand before them guilty
And you got no way out
Some may call it foolish and impossible
But for every heart it rescues, it's a miracle
It's nothing less than scandalous
This love that took our place
Just call it what it is, call it grace
Call it grace.
In that moment, I felt God meeting me right where I was at. I plan to continue to praise Him throughout the day.
I will REMEMBER you! This reminder took me on a journey with Jesus… a journey that reminded me what He had done for me throughout my life. I remembered how He has always been with me, guided me, given me power to do His work, watched over my family, and orchestrated everything in my life for His glory. I also took time to remember what Scripture says about Him. I quoted out loud Colossians 1:15-20 (what is known as the supremacy of Christ). Remembering Him is one pathway that often leads to restoration. And trust me, I needed things restored. I hope this message encourages you today. Let’s follow the example of the Psalmist and praise Him and remember Him.