Seeking Him First: Venting to God

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Venting to God

King David wrote many of the Psalms. He is called a man after God's heart. He loved to sing praises and offer up worship to the Lord. Yet when I read the Psalms, here are some of the themes I see: fear (Psalm 69), disappointment (Psalm 74), longing (Psalm 85), depression (Psalm 88), confusion (Psalm 102), sorrow (Psalm 137) and anger (Psalm 140). This tells me several things about God. One, He is intimately aware of our pain and our struggles. Two, He allows pain and heartaches into our lives to help us see our desperate need for Him. And finally, He desires for us to express our pain and sorrow to Him so that He can pour out his mercy and grace to comfort and heal us.

With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
(Psalm 142 ESV).

David wrote the Psalm while hiding in a cave from persecution. He cried out to the Lord. He knew he couldn't handle what he was facing without divine assistance. He knew the loneliness and desperation of his situation. He knew he was no match for his oppressors. But he also had rock-solid faith that God would deliver him and he was ready to praise his name. This is what someone who is after God's heart does.

Repressing our feelings keeps us in emotional bondage. Feeling our feelings and turning them over to God brings freedom. Go ahead and vent to God. It's okay. He knows. He cares. He can handle it. And He will.

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Your Identity in Christ

Once you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have a new identity in Christ. You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are a child of God (Romans 8:16). You are forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14). You have true freedom (John 8:32). You have the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). You have been freed from the penalty of sin and death (Romans 8:2). You have the Holy Spirit within you to guide and comfort you (Acts 1:8). You are being transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). You have been called into God’s kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12). You have been given a measure of faith to trust in Him (Romans 12:3). You have a Father who loves you so much that He didn't spare his own Son to save you (Romans 8:32). You can talk to God and be heard (1 John 4:14-15). You have a Father who is pleased to give you all things (Luke 12:32). You have the gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8) which is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).You are given faith to overcome anything (Hebrews 11:1). You can never be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). You have healing and restoration (Jeremiah 30:17). You have God on your side who is greater than anyone who opposes you (Romans 8:31) and has plans for you that are good (Jeremiah 29:11). You have power over the enemy (Luke 10:19). You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). You have deliverance from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13). You have rest for when you are weary (Matthew 11:28). You will never be abandoned or forsaken (Deuteronomy 31:6). You have an undefiled inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). You have an eternal home that Christ himself is preparing for you (John 14:1-3). You are one with Christ (John 17:11). You can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). You have guidance and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). You have peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). You walk by Faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). You are being transformed by the renewing of you mind (Romans 12:2). You can cast all your worries and cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22). You have renewed strength as you hope in Him (Isaiah 40:31). You are an imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1). You are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14). WOW!!!!!!