Are You Fearful and Alone?
We attend church because our faith in Christ means a lot to us. It is the foundation of who we are. When we struggle with life issues, we come to church with those burdens. We are encouraged through the service. Our spirits are lifted up through singing, reminding us how great God is and how much He loves us. We are not only inspired by the preaching of how God can work in our lives but are also given support through our local faith community–verbal exchanges, smiles, and those who would even pray for us.
We are not only inspired by the preaching of how God can work in our lives but are also given support through our local faith community...
But what would happen if you couldn't have that encouragement? You may be going through this circumstance right now. It's a double blow when we fear potential physical illness and miss out on gathering with God's people. What if you knew you weren't alone? This situation is common to us today, with the presence of covid and other physical illnesses, but King David went through the same thing many years ago.
In Psalms 42 and 43, this is what is recorded of David's life. He is on the run. He is in physical danger, and because of those things, he cannot meet for corporate worship with God's people. What is said to encourage David during this time?
START WITH GOD AS YOUR FOUNDATION
In the first two verses of Psalm 42, what is written for David is to remember that God is his foundation. He needs to know, before he petitions God, that God is the one on whom his reliance is.
DECLARE YOUR EMOTIONS TO GOD
It doesn't seem Christian to tell your emotions to God. That being said, this is what David does, and this is what Job did. In Psalm 42:3, 6, 9-10, he shares several emotions with God. Notice, he is not complaining all over social media but sharing those feelings with God Himself. Also, notice this is not a gripe session for David, followed by leaving in anger or depression. This is David placing His burdens at God's feet, then relying on Him, as we will see in a little bit.
LONGING FOR CORPORATE WORSHIP IS A GOOD THING
David is not only upset about the physical danger he is in but also sad that he cannot worship corporately. He states this in Psalm 42:2b, 4 and 43:3-4. Often when we have physical issues, we have spiritual ones as well. If you are ill or have a strong potential for being sick, you can end up having to miss corporate worship. This can be upsetting as this is the time you could need more, not less encouragement from God. If this is your case, know you are in the same situation as King David.
GOD'S LOVE AND GUIDANCE ARE STEADY IN YOUR LIFE
While situations change, God's love and guidance are steady. This is what is said in Psalm 42:8. It is good to be reminded that while everything in your life may be uncertain, the God who holds the universe together is stable.
Do you miss being with God's people in His house?
PROCLAIM GOD AS YOUR HOPE THROUGH SALVATION
It is stated not once but twice through Psalm 42 (vs 5 & 11) that God is David's hope. This means that even though David is unsure of his future, he knows where his hope really is–in God, His Savior.
Is God your foundation? Do you talk to God about your emotions? If you are a believer, and the situation you are in is holding you away from corporate worship, do you miss being with God's people in His house? Is He your steady guidance during this time? If He is, will you proclaim Him as your eternal hope?
- Tim Madden, Board of Directors
