Changing My Focus

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I love reading the Psalms for several reasons, one being how easy it is to relate to the emotions of the writers.  A quick glance through the book reveals people experiencing the highest of highs, the lowest of lows, and a range of life situations in between.

As I read through Psalm 13 this morning, King David’s anguish was unmistakable.  The first five sentences are a series of agonizing questions directed to the Lord.  I don’t know the details of his circumstances, but based on David’s words, it seems like he’s in a challenging, painful season of life.

Wisely, David pours out his heart to the Lord and expresses his concern.  But he doesn’t stop there.  As he lifts his eyes from his circumstances to his Savior, his perspective changes.  The tone in the last two verses is strikingly distinct from the previous four – “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation.  I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.”

Today I’m reminding myself to take my burdens to the Lord – He has extended an invitation for us to cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and to come to Him for the soul-rest we so desperately need (Matthew 11:28).  But as I come to Him, I don’t want to drop my burdens and run.  I want to shift my focus from my problems to the Lord, and like David come to the conclusion that, no matter where I find myself, the Lord has been good to me.

Written by: Abbey Le Roy, MA in Theological Studies from CIU's Seminary and School of Ministry

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11