Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC

PSALM 13:1-6
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
2      How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

I think we can all agree on the reality that we as a world are in some strange times. Life as we know it is different, and for many it has been difficult. Perhaps in the midst of this pandemic, now that we are nearly 5 months in, you are wondering where God is in it all. This season has been difficult for you as perhaps all that has happened in the world has added on to the hardships you have already been facing. It feels as though it has been raining on you for a while with no sunshine in sight. The good news for the child of God today though is that even though it’s raining on you, even though you are in a season of trial and turmoil, you and I can learn how to dance in the rain. 

King David speaks to that in Psalm 13:1-6. He describes how he is in a season where he feels as though God is not listening to him. He was in the midst of a difficult circumstance as his son Absolam had led a revolt against him and his kingship over israel. He is on the run for his life. In the midst of all of that we see that he is real with the Lord. You can almost hear his tone here: “God, where are you? How long do I have to wait for you to intervene?” He perhaps had the thought of how this could be happening to him. He was known as being a man after God’s own heart. He loved God and wanted to live for Him. How could this happen? You been there? Perhaps you muttered the same words in your prayers. Here is the reality: The rain and storms of life are going to come. If they have not already, they will. King David gives us a formula on how to respond when they do come that differs from the world.

First he mentions how he chose to trust God. For us to be able to learn how to dance in the rain when the storm comes, we have to make the conscious effort every single day to trust in the Lord. Listen friend, I know life may not be going well for you, but God is still on His throne and so you can trust Him. Choose to trust in the character and the promises of God. He will never leave you nor forsake you to figure out life on your own in the midst of the mess. He still has a plan for your life and that will never change. 

Secondly he chose to praise. Now, v.5-6 highlights the root of David’s praise to God and that was his salvation, along with remembering God’s goodness in his life. I have learned that it is pretty difficult to whine and worship at the same time. When your eyes are fixed on Jesus and you choose to reflect on how He saved you and how great He has been in your life, you can’t help but to worship! David chose to reflect on those things instead of the circumstance! May we choose to do the same. Instead of choosing anxiousness and worry about the future, choose to exalt the name of Jesus. Instead of choosing pessimism, choose praise for the Lord is good!

As children of God when the storms of life come, may we choose to dance in the rain- leaning on the God of the universe! 

PRAYERS FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father Lord, thank you for your goodness and your love. Help me to learn how to dance in the rain when the storms of life come in my life by choosing to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
Psalm 30:4
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name