A response to 2020 and beyond...

Often those who don't regularly read the Bible and perhaps many who do regularly read the Bible, assume that much of what's written in it is not applicable to the modern life. After all it was written so long ago, how could it possible add value to my life today? If you've ever asked yourself that question and struggled to apply God's Word to the modern life allow me to suggest the Psalms to you. 

The Psalms are an honest record of the emotional and spiritual ups and downs that many of us face each day. Take Psalm 13 for instance, in it David says,  






​"How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long am I to feel anxious in my soul,
With grief in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

But I have trusted in Your faithfulness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has looked after me."

David's honest questions to God sound familiar to many given the year we've had. In our darkest moments we start to feel as though God is hiding His face. As we watch the news or listen to the experts we feel as though our anxiousness will never end. We come across a positive report that boosts our spirits only to have our hopes dashed as we read another article that seems to contradict the first. What will 2021 look like? Will things go back to normal? 

These are not modern problems. Yes the names and faces have changed but anxiety, loss and grief are not new. David experienced all of these emotions and more.

Here's the part I want to be sure you don't miss. David's response to these age old feelings and struggles:

"But I have trusted in Your faithfulness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has looked after me."

David gives us a powerful example of what a response could be to the anxiety and grief that many are dealing with today. David trusted the Lord's faithfulness. He chose to continue rejoicing in the Lord and giving praise to God because he knew that even in the midst of his anxiety and grief, God had looked after him. 

What a powerful response and perfect model for us to follow. Push through. Continue to trust. Continue to praise God. Reflect on how God has continued to look after you. Don't allow what's happening around you to cause you to forget what's happened in you. God is with you. Be encouraged and keep moving forward. 

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