The above verse was a cry expressed from David. I've read this verse countless times in the past but I am just now fully grasping the concept of what this truly means. Have you ever been knocked into "the pit" in life? If not, keep living. David was in the pit when he cried out to God to deliver him. I've also gathered that David praised God from his "pit" being that he states that he "waited patiently for the Lord". In life, we will have times where we will need to WAIT for God to establish our steps and deliver us out of our pit. I believe that it is during this waiting period where our faith is tried. Faith develops patience. Faith is not proven during abundance. It is when we lack, that our faith is supposed to come into play. During this very trying time in my life, I know that I can't rest on my emotions. If you are reading this and going through a storm, know that we may not always FEEL that God is near or that he can hear us. It is during this dark hour that we must praise. Praise even though it hurts. God wants to know if we can praise him even when standing alone. Whenever God elevates us to the next level in life, you can trust that there will be a period where you will be alone. Some friends and family won't be available for whatever reason during this transitioning period. When in "the valley", pay attention to those that aren't available because it may be inconvenient. You'd be surprised at who will actually be at your side when going through your valley. In no way should you become bitter or upset because as Romans 8:28 says, All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. The process is simply showing the true position of individuals in your life. Different people have a different purpose in each of our lives and once that purpose has been fulfilled, they will no longer be there. I thank God for revelation and I appreciate every constituent,confidant, and comrade. At first it made me angry because I looked at this lonely phase as unfair. I felt that people didn't return what I gave them during their dark moments but then it hit me, God gets us alone because oftentimes our "friends" occupy too much space in our life and we become co-dependent on their presence. We'd never see the true power of God in our lives if we always have a crowd distracting us. He needs to get us to himself and when the smoke has cleared, we won't give glory to any friend,boyfriend,associate, etc for deliverance. Also, we're never really alone when in the valley. He's ALWAYS with us. During this tumultuous season, I've noticed that he talks to me through different scriptures,sermons,songs, etc. At first I thought maybe it was a coincidence. I've now accepted that it isn't. He draws near to the broken-hearted. I've experienced him so much in these last few days that at first it startled me and I thought I was crazy. We all go through seasons and trials. It rains on the just and unjust so there's no need to complain. If God leaves us in our state of ease and tranquility, we'll never know how much we need him. I once heard a story about how a dad was teaching his son how to ride his bike. Every time the boy would fall off his bike, he'd get up and his dad would softly pat the back of his head in a gesture that said "don't worry about it" which gave the boy motivation to get back on. Even though the boy would get cuts and bruises from his falls, he still got up, dust himself off, and tried to ride the bike because his dad gave him that pat. This is how God works with us. He softly pats us on the back of our head through his scriptures,messengers,and small/large miracles. He's saying "don't worry about it". Back in the day when individuals traveled and they needed to make a stop or protect themselves, they termed it as "rounding the wagons" or "circle the wagons". This meant that the group would create a united front and form a circle with their wagons. This cohesive gesture provided protection from outsiders, wild animals, and a unknown ENEMY. Learn to stay in the midst of the wagon. Jesus & the Holy Spirit is the wagon. As long as we stay in the midst of "the wagon", no weapon formed against us will prosper. Know that even though people may desert and talk about you, he will never leave or forsake you. He is a CONSTANT help in the time of need. Stand on the scripture of Job 13:15:Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. God will bring us out so much better. After this process we will have individuals in our lives that speak faith. We will KNOW where our help comes from. Let "them" talk and laugh thinking its the end for you. Let "them" THINK that they have your number. They don't know that the God we serve, specializes in "raising the dead". God specializes in bringing life to dead circumstances. Let the spectators continue to watch because just as they've seen you fall, they will see you RISE. Not only will you rise but you will sing a new song and many will either become intimidated and jealous by your victory or they will give praises to a God that is worthy of all praises & know that he is real. This is why it's important to praise from the pit. Praise on "half". This term means, even if you don't see the full results or only have half of what you need financially,emotionally, etc..praise God anyway. Look back over your life. Look back at the dark days. Look back when you didn't know where the next meal was coming from. Look back when you didn't have a dime to your name. Look back at when you were in that hospital bed? Look back at when you didn't know how that bill was going to get paid. Look back at when you were in the dark. Look back at when you were so depressed that you couldn't imagine coming out of it. Aren't you still here? We need to trust that the God of yesterday is also the God of today. I trust that there is a purpose in this process.
Peace, Love, and Blessings
Nata Bee
copyright © 2011 Renate' Bender
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