A Prayer for Perspective in the Midst of Pain - Beloved Women - January 29, 2024
READ: “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days: let me know how fleeting I am!” (Psalm 39:4 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Nothing can escalate a “bad” situation to a “worse” situation quite like a complaining, negative spirit. Perhaps you’ve experienced this when addressing a crisis with a complaining co-worker or classmate.
As we open our Bibles to Psalm 39, David feels overwhelmed by God’s discipline (Psalm 39:7-11), along with the criticisms of his enemies. Vowing not to grumble against God in the presence of the wicked, David instead pleads for God to give him perspective in the midst of his pain by reminding him of the brevity of his life. Instead of complaining, David sought God for perspective in order to see the purpose in his pain.
Like David, we can’t allow our discomfort to keep us stagnated in self-pity. Complaint robs us of finding significance and hope in our suffering. When uncomfortable spiritual seasons linger, let’s fight the urge to grumble and instead ask God for perspective in the midst of our pain.
PRAY: God, I'm so grateful that with You, no experience - even your discipline - is ever wasted. When You choose in your sovereignty to allow me to linger in uncomfortable spiritual seasons, may I turn to You to find relief for life’s burdens and perspective in my pain. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT: Are you feeling trapped or overwhelmed by a trial? How can you practically choose to see the significance behind your suffering and find God’s hope in your pain?
CONNECT: Connect with Titania Paige at www.titaniapaige.com or on Instagram @Titania.Paige.
MORE BELOVED: Join Beloved Women for our next online Bible Study “Worth More Than Rubies: A Bible Study on the 7 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.” If you’re tired of feeling like you are not enough and you can’t measure up, this study offers a graceful approach to learning about the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman. Learn more and join at https://www.belovedwomen.org/rubies.
© 2021 by Titania Paige. All rights reserved.
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