You are about to read something that..if you'll be honest..you will say "That's me too!"
Psalm 142 was written many, many years ago by a guy who, if he were alive today, would be shunned by many pastors and church members alike for the sins he committed. David was a guy who had many past failures; yet, he is known as "a man after God's own heart." And I believe God led David to so eloquently write about his thoughts and feelings after his sin so I (even if I'm the only one) could know: I am not the only one who feels the guilt of sin!
As I read Psalm 142, I felt within myself saying "That's me too!" I cried out in prayer to God verse 6: "Attend to my cry for I am brought very low."
After I finished reading the psalm the first time, I felt God say "Read it again! I have something to show you!"
My Problems:
You see, there are times I feel spiritually defeated. Satan accuses me of my past sins (keyword: past). He brings up past sin and says "Look at what you've done! You've messed up so bad that God will never use you!" Sadly other people (even thoughs who you thought you could call a friend) stand and judge me too.
- But God stands with mercy - verse 1
There are times that I can't go on in life - things, circumstances, situations, temptations, etc weigh me down to the point of "freezing" me right where I stand!
- But God is powerful enough to keep me moving - verse 3
There are times I try to "fix" my own problems. I think I know best - actually what I am saying to God is: "I know more than You!" I run to the next "thing" to comfort me.
- But God is calling me to run to Him for refuge - verse 5
Then there are times I am bound to sin because I've allowed it to take root in my heart. I am imprisoned/enslaved to sinful desires - as if I can't break away.
- But God holds the key to freedom - verse 7
God's Cure:
Satan wants to keep me defeated, BUT God sent Jesus so I can live victorious! Look what David learned after his sins:
1. God will listen when I cry out to Him (I must speak - pray - to Him). - (vs. 1-2)
2. God will guide me...but He will not force Himself on me! (I wouldn't have ended up in the mess if He was guiding in the first place). - (vs. 3-5)
3. God will "fight" for us (I make a bigger mess when I try to "fix it" myself). - (vs. 6)
4. God will bring me through to a place better than I was before. - (vs. 7)
It all starts with me talking to God about sin! I will never move out the never-ending cycle of sin until I get honest with God about my sin problem!
Are you willing to be honest with God? Break the cycle and run to freedom!
