Overwhelmed? Run to the Rock.
Psalm 61:1-5
October 5, 2020
Some days are just overwhelming. You feel frustrated over the twists and turns of having a child with ADHD. I know, I have been there. What works today, does not work tomorrow. That clean room was a vapor in the mist—and that stink vapor permeating the house now--what is that? The incentives do not work anymore. How much more can you take-- emails from teachers, or the lack thereof, suggestions from well-meaning friends, the always being late, then not having both shoes, the angst of nagging, begging, pleading to be on time? How about bearing the emotional load of other family members who are exasperated, too--with this child who is smart, creative, and oh, so bright, who cannot seem to do anything right? Have I mentioned your situation yet?
If you are not overwhelmed today, you will be tomorrow, and when that day comes, I want you to be prepared with a promise to help you persevere.
In Psalms 61, King David was on the run from his son, Absolom, who wanted to kill him. Imagine that? I bet there are days you would love to run and hide out in a cave. However, David does a different kind of running.
He runs toward God. He is out of breath, a stitch in his side, thirsty, scared, his heart is beating out of his chest, and he stops to pray:
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Do that. Follow David’s lead. David knows who can help him, knows what to do, and knows where to focus his attention. He affirms God as his refuge and his strength, and God’s ability to fight his foe. He tells God that he needs deliverance and confirms God is who He is.
In this scripture we see God “as the Rock that is higher than I.” God is above us; His eyes are watching all over the earth, seeing the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). When we cannot see the good in our situation, God does, and He is working it for our good and His glory (Revelation 4:11).
We see God as a listener (I John 5:14-15). Speak your frustrations, each and every one. There is no judgement or condemnation in what you feel. You are feeble, but He is not. He is infinitely capable of handling the every exasperation you are feeling.
We see God as refuge and safety (Proverbs 1:33). God is unmoving, you can rest in Him, you can call to Him (Jeremiah 33:3) and he will hear you and hug you.
We see God as a strength (Isaiah 40:29) and rest (Matthew 11:28). You are weary and only the Lord can bring you the rest you need from your calling as this child’s mom.
We see that God can be trusted (Proverbs 3:5-6). David knows that “God has got this,” but honors God by acknowledging His promises.
Take time now to run to the Lord. He knows your battles and your fears. Claim the promises of these scriptures; tell Him your needs, thank Him for rest, and remind Him of who He is. And God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).