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Are you dealing with feelings of isolation and disconnectedness? Are you having feelings of loneliness? Are you battling anxiety and fear? I know I have dealt with all of these emotions over the last few weeks. When I’m having these very feelings and need God, one of the first places I turn to is Scripture.
I am reminded of 1 Samuel 22, David this mighty warrior, is found hiding in a cave from Saul. Saul had become jealous of David and wanted to kill him. Somewhere outside the cave, Saul and his army were searching the countryside looking for David. If they found him, it would be certain death. So, there he was in a cave, alone, trapped, with no escape.
This was not what David had dreamed of when as a teenager, Samuel had anointed him to be the next king of Israel. Kings live in nice palaces, with servants, good food, and wanting for nothing. Kings don’t hide in dark, damp, dangerous caves afraid for their life! The cave surely seemed more like a prison than a palace.
CAVES AND VALLEYS MAKE GREAT CLASSROOMS
But caves make great classrooms. People often utter their most heartfelt prayers inside of the caves and valleys of their lives. When the going gets tough, the tough turn to God. Being in times of difficulty are opportunities to learn how to handle trials. Without a doubt, what we’re facing right now is a trial like we’ve never experienced before. Much like David and his situation, this definitely is not how we pictured what our 2020 would end up looking like .
David wrote a bold and transparent Psalm 57 while in this cave. Here’s a look at Psalm 57:1-3: “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth His unfailing Love and faithfulness.”
This Scripture reminds us that when we’re in circumstances where we feel trapped and alone, that we should cry out to God in raw, transparent, heartfelt prayer.
My anthem during this time has been “Surrounded (Fight my battles)” by UPPER ROOM. It reminds me that “In the valley I know that you’re with me, Surely Your goodness and your mercy follows me. My weapons are praise and thanksgiving. This is how I fight my battles.”
Let’s fight loneliness, isolation, disconnectedness, anxiety, fear or whatever else you may be struggling with, with our prayers, our faith, our praise and with our thanksgiving!
Psalm 94:19 (New International Version)
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me great joy.”
Here’s the link to the above referenced song. Take a few minutes and be encouraged!
Pastor Matt
The Table