I find myself wishing in these past few months, in this latter time, that we had been able to be much more open about out feelings. How did we turn into some kind of culture, that we could not and cannot, talk to our brother and sisters in the Lord, and be real about many of the things we go through. It’s still hard for me to grasp today, that most feel we can rarely trust anyone, with our reality.

All of us, can remember that the scripture says that David, was a man after God’s own heart. We know the story of his anointing as King and some of the things that happened in his life. For sure, we know about his affair with another man’s wife and the tragedy that followed that. But if we all were asked, just why, was he said to be a man after God’s own heart, what answer would we give. What was it about him, that caused God to think of him this way. How much did we ever talk about it; why was he so special?

The above quote, was made by the Psalmist. What was this scenario even all about. He was confused; very confused. If we read Psalm 44, we likely find out some things, we weren’t taught about before. God had bailed His children out, many a time in the past. They turned to other gods; did those things that provoked Him to wrath, and He made them pay for it. However, it seems this time, according to David, the people were doing everything they could to live right; they kept their part of the covenant; they did not err.

It’s where we find that verse, “Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.” Somehow, it seemed as though God had hidden His face from them; that He had forgotten their affliction and oppression. David cried, “Awake, why sleepest thou O Lord? Arise, cast us not off forever.” This man was confused. Their enemies were running all over them; they were being attacked on every side. When they were doing their best to serve God, why did He not then answer their cries.

All of us have heard that expression, “it seems like the heavens are shut.” We try our very best, treat other people right, speak for Him, live close to Him and seek the leading of His Spirit, but we’re being overrun. We’re so broken down, we’re being trampled, targeted from every side, betrayed by those we trusted in. And it’s like God doesn’t even see it. We’re not just complaining. David said, “we’re going down; I’m as low as I can get.” It was confusing; he was honest. But he had a one-on-one relationship with God. In spite of it all, he began to worship and adore God. And God always heard it. It never fails to stir Him. He moves; and the confusion, disappears.

~ Robert Blackburn

Robert Blackburn