Come On, My Soul, Let's Listen - iBelieve Truth - January 10, 2024
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5 (CSB)
Sitting with my hurting friend, I found myself speaking words of hope. With an unhurried presence and a listening ear, I did my best to encourage her. Though my friend Emma's situation seemed dismal, we recalled scripture together. As I beckoned her spirit to join me in the rest and peace of trusting God, it occurred to me that words of encouragement are often easier to give to others than to ourselves sometimes.
Much like when Emma and I hiked outdoors together, we took turns offering steady grips and pointing out the views ahead. As we talked, I watched her outlook change as her spirit anchored tightly to God's Truth. We need community and Christian friendship to build each other up and spur on our faith, but we also need to give ourselves pep talks and listen to the counsel of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every follower of Christ. Encouraging Emma that day got me thinking, "Am I just as quick to listen and point myself to God's Truth as I am for a friend?"
Psalm 62 is a window into David's heart and reminds us to trust in God alone. Like many of the psalms he wrote, David starts with praise and God's Truth before he navigates into his struggles and emotions. It is a strategy that is helpful to all of us. Spending time daily in God's Word helps us view life through His perspective.
The psalmist states that because God is his rock, salvation, and stronghold, he won't be shaken (verses 1-2). As he reflects further upon trouble and the enemy, David counsels his own heart to entrust all fear and frustration into God's care. As if to say, "Come on, my soul, let's listen to what God says about this," he remembers what he has learned:
Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah Psalm 62:5-8
The Psalms remind us that God created us with feelings and emotions that help us respond to life's experiences. They are beautiful because God created them. Sadness helps us respond to grief. Fear helps us flee danger. Anger helps us respond to injustice. Best of all, love leads us to express care and affection. However, the fall of man has tainted emotions like these with sin, and we often default to our human nature, which can keep us from experiencing the purity and peace we can have in Christ. Here, we get stuck in feelings like fearfulness, hopelessness, and unforgiveness instead of freedom. Feelings can begin to define and box us in rather than help us process and emote. Yet, praise the Lord because of Jesus; we can live free rather than stuck or enslaved to sin.
David learned God's Truth. Amid the struggle, he listens to God's Truth. Beautifully, he then leads others to rely on God's Truth. As it says in Psalm 62:8, "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah"
Learn. Listen. Lead others. By the power of the Holy Spirit, this is the beautiful pattern of writing God's Word on our hearts so that we have it to anchor and encourage ourselves and can then share the good news with others.
Life will challenge us for the rest of our days here on earth. It's okay to feel, but as a child of God, we don't have to live stuck in a downward spiral or stagnant pit. Whether you have a friend nearby to sit with as you process emotions or whether you sit alone today, cling to what God says about your circumstances. Think about the words you might tell a friend going through the same thing. We are so hard on ourselves, and perhaps today, you need to give yourself the grace and pep talk anchored in God's Truth that you would give a friend today. Come on, my soul, let's listen!
Father God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who counsels me and ministers to my heart daily. Friends are a gift and blessing, but none can fill the perfect friendship of Jesus Christ. Help my soul to always listen to your Truth. Help me speak kind words and thoughts to myself that are gentle and encouraging—just as I would talk to a friend in need today.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Tatiana
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