From Pain to Confidence

Sometimes its hard to have any confidence or encouragement when things aren't going well.  We are apt to think the worst.  Moreover, we might feel that our resources are limited or have run dry.

David, in writing one of his psalms, found himself in a situation where he was praying for deliverance from his enemies.  At the beginning he wrote:  "How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long."  (Psalm 13:2)  He was very blunt with God.  He felt he was on the verge of being forgotten.  (vs. 1).

Have you ever felt like this?  Whatever you are up against seems to be overwhelming.

Then at the end of the psalm there is a different mood.  David writes:  "But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."  (Psalm 13:5)  It's having confidence in the midst of undergoing a great trial.  Perhaps, this is the paradox that people of faith have.  While the situation might seem to look hopeless, there can still be confidence that the situation can turn out okay.

It's more than just luck.  It's trusting in the God who has made heaven and Earth.  It is knowing that God's heart is always beating for you.  That's God's steadfast love!

So, when you pray, you can pour out your heart to God.  Let God know exactly how you feel; but then you can express your hope that you will prevail.