Humility in Humanity.
For the past three weeks, a time that I often looked forward to as an adult, was now a time I dreaded: NIGHT TIME. For it was after the sun disappeared that the onset of pain made its grand appearance up and down my leg. Some of those pain-filled nights consisted of me just laying there, whispering Jesus’s name. Other nights, it was so unbearable that I’d silently sobbed until I fell asleep. But during these long nights, one thing remained and that was my trust in the Lord.
I didn’t know how or when He’d heal me. At times my feelings were hurt that God would allow the intensity of my pain. But even still, I knew only God could redeem me. You see, pain, disappointment and opposition doesn’t signify the absence of faith. You’re allowed to express the pain of life’s circumstances while still having a deep knowing that GOD IS FAITHFUL. In fact, Jesus told us in His word that “in this world we’d have many trials and sorrows” (John16:33). Being chosen by God, loved by God and even loyal followers of Christ do not exempt us from the storms of life. HOWEVER, the latter part of the verse, Jesus encourages us to “take heart because it is HE who has overcome the world.” If Jesus has overcome the world, sin and death, then certainly He can help us endure and overcome our problems -in His way and in His timing. We must dare to cling to this hope while still being very real about what we are currently facing.
One thing I admire about David in the Bible is his constant display of heartfelt transparency in both his humility and his humanity throughout the Psalms. In Psalm 25:16, David unashamedly cries out to God saying, “Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, For I am desolate and afflicted.”
The Passion Translation puts it like this: “Sorrows fill my heart as I feel helpless, mistreated —I’m all alone and in misery! Come closer to me now, for I need your mercy.”
“Sorrows fill me.” “I feel helpless.” “I am desolate (alone).” Maybe you can currently relate to David or perhaps this passage ignites a remembrance of how God rescued you from sorrow, helplessness or loneliness in a tough season. Either way, I hope that this cry of David reminds you that it is okay to be human, be aware of your feelings, and express them to our Abba Father.
We see that David is completely transparent about his feelings of helplessness and loneliness but in the same breath, he also acknowledges that it is only the closeness of God, the mercy of God that can save him as he pleads, “Come closer to me now, for I need Your mercy.”
Mind you, David was the King over thousands and yet he vulnerably cried out to God in distress. In his kingship, he’s still aware of God’s Lordship. We too, must strive to keep our hearts in the pure place of humility. Regardless of our title, resources, accomplishments or possessions; God is still God. We are not God and without Him our strength is limited. We must remember that Jesus is not only our Savior but Lord. Therefor we must daily place Him in His rightful position. That is, Lord over our lives. And although He is Lord, He wants us real relationship with us. How amazing that the Lord of the universe wants to walk and talk with us -even in our imperfections, we are STIILL cherished by Him. I am certain that David so easily poured out the depths of his heart to God, because he had established a close, personal relationship with Him. David didn’t see God as only Lord, but Friend and Redeemer.
David professes to the Lord in verse 21, “Your perfection and faithfulness are my bodyguards, for You are my hope and I trust in You as my only protection.”
I love how bible commentator, David Guzik puts it:
“The present difficulty David endured would not prevent him from trusting and serving God. This was a deep relationship with God, not one easily damaged or separated by disappointment.”
God-sis, lets be like David -not a perfect man but a man after God’s own heart. In every season of our lives, let’s live transparent before Him, letting no difficulty prevent us from trusting God. Let not guilt and shame deter you from expressing the depths of your heart to the One who cares. Feeling sad, anxious, hurt or depressed does NOT make you a bad Christ follower. In fact, it makes you the perfect candidate for God’s grace!
