Deliverance for your dark suffering is closer than you think.
In fact, suffering loses it’s scary grip when lighting four eye-opening fuses.
Fuse #1: Is God in your life?
When overwhelmed, I know my life is in God’s hands. Do you?
To whom do you trust your life?
If you can confidently approach God as “my God,” “my Lord,” or “my Savior,” then you are safe, secure and delivered from madness.
“God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’” 2 Timothy 2:19
This never changes for those who belong to God.
And if you are not sure, open the door and let him in.
Even if doubts about faith linger, God is closer than you think.
“…that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.'” Acts 17: 27-28
Fuse #2: Call out to God
One of the first verses I ever memorized was . . .
“Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
That’s real. Even in pain. Even in fear. Even in suffering.
Deliverance happens in the unseen realm of faith.
“By faith…he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.” Hebrews 11:27
We frazzle easily because our habit is fear first.
But, fear is conquered when we express our laments in prayer.
“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:18-21
I’m convinced that God delivers us in our suffering by voicing our pain out loud in prayer.
Then, counsel for the best path comes through…
- “teachers” like an expert
- a voice of intuition
- the Spirit of God in prayer
Fuse #3: Begin with God instead of the problem
The last several years have been rough for Judy and I because of…
- multiple back surgeries and other health problems
- suffering of our family members
Burdens pile up.
So my relief is to see my problems through God rather than look at God through my problems.
This happens through the lost art of lament.
Clearly, God values our sorrows.
“You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; this I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise. In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:8-11
The Psalms speak God into our emotions and saturate our soul with stability.
“Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8
Lament takes us and our sorrow into the presence of God.
Before one enters the moment of deliverance, one must sit in the pain of laments.
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.” Psalm 126:5
Read the lament Psalms (121-134) aloud and watch his Spirit surround you.
Fuse #4: Power for your despair
Finally, when no relief is in sight, reinforce your mind with strength.
When my neuropathy pain was out of control, I meditated on scripture.
“But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress.” Psalm 59:16-17
Calling to mind God’s strength is a game changer because the door is opened to another dimension.
This stability leads to perseverance for the next tiny step.
What carried you in your greatest trial of suffering?
Steve, this is truly wonderful. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you Christine. Thinking about and praying for your dad as well as you and your sister.
Powerful stuff Steve. Sorry for your suffering with the back issues. Looks like you have it under control with the Lord’s help.
Red
Great to hear from you Red! Yes, thank you. Judy has fully recovered and from answers to many laments and prayers, fully restored. No pain and full mobility. And now she has a book coming out in 2023 . . . https://papergirlsworld.com/
Thank you Steve. Hope you and your family have a restful and renewing holiday.