Our Scripture for today is Psalm 73:21-28.
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
The Psalms express the entire range of human emotions – love, joy, fear, anger, pain. These passages tell us we can bring everything to God. He already knows what we experience and feel, but He wants us to share it, with Him and with others.
Sharing what we have been through helps us to release things that continue to bind us to wrongdoing and reinforce the lessons God has for us. The psalmist says “When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you” (v. 21). If we are not following the word and mind of God, it can cause us emotional and physical pain.
Additionally the psalmist tells us “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand” (v. 22). No matter what we are going through, God is with us. Our emotions and experiences are part of who we are. God made us this way and wants us to learn and grow from them. Talk to God about what troubles you, talk to God about what gives you joy and He will give you understanding.
Loving Lord, when we think we are the only ones to ever experience hard times, remind us of Your faithful ones and what they endured to build Your church. Help us to see the lesson in the difficulty and give thanks that You are there for us. Amen.