August 31

Before Him

"I pour out my complaint before Him; before Him I

 tell my trouble."Psalm 142:2What do we do with the troubles of life? Many times we play them over and over in our minds, allowing them to take on a life of their own. They become so large they overwhelm us. A small trial becomes so large we feel we cannot cope. We take our complaints to anyone who will listen, but there is no relief. We are miserable, in pain and burdened down. How much wasted time is there in complaining about "life" to those around us who can do little to help? If only we would go directly to the One who can help, what a difference there would be in our lives! The trouble might not disappear, that might not be His will in the matter, but He would give us the strength needed to see us through and He will help us to put the matter into its proper perspective. There is no question that the trial would be more bearable, the burden lightened because He was there at our side helping us through the trouble. The Psalmist knew who to take his complaints to; he poured out his heart over and over again to the One he knew would make a difference. When we vent to our spouses or friends we may receive sympathy, but not relief. When we are discouraged, venting to God alone helps to prevent bitterness and resentment from taking root in our hearts. There is great freedom in pouring out one's trouble to God, for it is here that we will find true relief. When doing so, we are not sharing our troubles that He might see them, but sharing our troubles that we might see Him in our experiences and in our lives for he already sees and knows all. It is for our benefit that it is necessary. Often while laying out a problem, the Psalmist found that the problem dissipated with prayer, and in the end He praised God, for he was able to see past the pain to the work God was accomplishing. When we pour out our hearts to God, we should keep nothing back. We need to let Him see all that is closeted up in our hearts that we might be free from any bitter root that might be there. It is then that God is able to reveal to us our secret faults. We are able to see our sin above those who have wronged us. It is here that the great work of healing can begin. Only in the depths of specific prayer do we find true hope. Like the Psalmist, let us take our troubles to the One who will make a difference and in the end, like David, may our voice rise in praise to His Holy Name.

Father; let us never waste time complaining to others of our troubles. Help us to come to you first, that you might help us to put all our cares into perspective. Help us to realize that nothing touches us that will not help us to grow. Root out of our hearts all bitterness and resentment and replace it with new growth that will bring honor and glory to you. Help us to praise you amidst the pain! Amen.