Have you ever needed to just talk it out? As a woman, this happens a lot for me. I am one of those people who want to verbally talk through a process and by the end of the conversation I know what I am to do. I know for a fact it drives my husband insane! Yet, he is gracious to sit and listen, probably wanting to tell me what to do, but holds back as I figure it out by the end. Sometimes we, men too, need to talk it out and hear the situation out loud before making a decision. Let’s walk through David’s prayer time.
First he takes his complaints to God. In Psalm 13 King David wrote “how long” four different times with God. The desperation is heard as he asks, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Do you hear the desperate voice? I have had those moments wondering if God remembers I am sitting in pain. Next, David vents his frustration and disappointment by asking God: “How long will you hide your face from me, God?” It is as if God is playing hide-n-seek without giving the option of being found. Lastly, David seeks God for comfort as he lays the real ache of his heart out in the open: “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart (soul)? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” A little impatience is growing here. I imagine his voice is not calm at all but quite demanding, along with somewhat of a whoa-is-me. Ever felt these different emotions with God before?
Then in verses five and six, you see where he has talked his way into trusting in God. Matthew Henry wrote “God’s mercy is the support of the psalmist’s faith. Finding I have THAT (God’s mercy) to trust in, I am comforted, though I have no merit of my own. Note, how his faith in God’s mercy filled his heart with joy in his salvation, for joy and peace come by believing.” David already knew God’s character and I believe, though he walked through this little verbal battle, it was his
process of weaning out the fat of unbelief
and getting to the muscle of belief.
Five months after the twins were born, my husband suprised me with a gym membership and personal trainer. He knew I wanted to get back in shape. As I started to train, I would be required to weigh myself (hated these days). I noticed I was only gaining weight and not losing. You can imagine that was a little disheartening knowing how hard I was working. It was not until a year later that a friend stopped me and told me my muscles were looking very defined. That was a wonderful moment of encouragement and satisfaction. I want to compare physical training to spiritual building up the muscle of belief. How can you build up a strong muscle of belief?
Bring Your Complaints Before God
King David went before God. He could have found a friend and vented or complained, but he chose to go before God first. “But anxious cares are heavy burdens by which believers often load themselves more than they need (I am guilty of this). A common temptation also is when trouble lasts so long that we think it will last always. Those who long without joy, begin to be without hope. We should never allow ourselves to make any complaints, but what drives us to our knees. ” Matthew Henry. I believe David did not dwell here long because he did not allow himself to entertain the complaints for long. Avoiding the ability for unbelief to accumulate. His heart ached and he fell before God with a desire to trust God wholeheartedly.
Do not let your anxious cares become burdens. Each morning, at 4:00 am when my alarm goes off, I can choose to ignore it or roll out of bed and get ready. If I ignore my alarm, I usually regret it and makes the next workout more of a battle. I also, might be harder on myself and become somewhat negative. But, if I get up and go to the gym, I feel stronger and the consistency of working out sustains my muscles. I am not as sore the more consistent I remain. The same goes with our spiritual lives. When I get up and meet with God, take my concerns, complaints, frustration, fears, worries to Him and leave those burdens with Him, I am happier, calmer and less anxious. My muscle of belief grows stronger and replaces the unhealthy fat of unbelief the more consistent I am going to God first.
He Brought His Whole Heart Before God
Not only did David bring his complaints, but he also brought his heart. He was wrestling with the thoughts in his head and sorrow in his soul. His heart was aching for the troubles in his life. I believe he knew God alone could heal them and that is why he went to God. God already knew his battles and what was going on inside of David. Why should David not be real?
One of the reasons I started working out is because 16 years ago my dad had quadruple bypass surgery. My grandparents had heart issues, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesteral and more. I know that working out can help keep some of these things away. During my training, I learned weights help my bones stay strong. In doing cardio, I am able to strengthen my lungs, heart and endurance. Some days I cry out in pain because it is hard but I don’t pretend it is easy. Sometimes it burns my lungs to push that extra step or lift that weight one more time. There are times I really don’t want to go any further and want to quit from that voice saying “you are alone, just go ahead and give up”. I know some days are harder than others. Some days we want to just “GIVE UP” but God wants us to push through and go the extra step, lift our eyes to Him and keep reading His Word and seeking Him with our whole hearts. Even when we are doubting, angry, frustrated, disappointed and feeling alone. He already knows your heart so what damage will it do bringing these before God? Which leads us to David’s final words from Psalm 13.
David CHOSE to Praise God and Trust Regardless
David’s final words in this psalm to God are: “BUT I TRUST in your unfailing love; MY HEART REJOICES in your salvation. I WILL SING the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Do you see how he says “I WILL”? David made a choice in that moment; regardless of his circumstances, he will believe God has him and praises him for being good. He chose to trust in God’s unfailing love, rejoice with his heart in his salvation and to sing recognizing God’s goodness even though his circumstances, to us, said otherwise. He chose not to entertain complaints, which grow into lack of trust and unbelief. Instead, he let his muscles of faith in God grow stronger.
Each morning I wake up and go to the gym with the attitude of “I WILL” go I feel better. Getting there is the hard part, but once I am there and work out, I feel good. The more consistent I am, the stronger I become. Each day, it is a mindset of getting up and going. Not always does that happen, I might miss a day, but I try to be consistent knowing the hard work benefits me. Same goes with our spiritual walk. Each day you arise, bring all your heart before God, you draw closer to Him, trust Him more to where you too can say, I trust in You Lord and your Unfailing love. You will get to know Jesus and recognize His goodness even when the circumstances don’t show them. The more you are in His Word, the more you get to know Him and your muscles of belief grow stronger and stronger.
What I learned about why I gained weight at the beginning of training, years ago. I learned that as the muscle builds up underneath my fat, it will eventually eat up that fat but for now it just grows and strengthens. Eventually the fat (3-5 pounds of fat can fill a place where 1 pound of fat was) will take over and lean me out. The scale might say I weigh more but my clothes say otherwise. Just because your circumstances say otherwise, does not mean that underneath growth is not occurring. It takes time, hard work and discipline to grow the muscles of belief. Find a plan and stick to it. Each person will have a different plan to build muscles of belief. How can you build these muscles?
Read God’s Word daily
Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times”.
God’s Words are a healing balm, able to direct our hearts to what is right, bring peace, flood us with joy and give guidance for our journey.
Converse daily with an honest heart before God
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the everlasting way”.
Change old habits, (recognize His goodness no matter the circumstances)
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Choose to Trust in God (make that non-ending decision now)
Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Praise Him for how far He has brought you. Praise Him where you are right now in whatever work/season you are in right now. Thank you and remember how faithful He has been and will be until the end. Hold on tight to His hand and don’t let go, he never will.
Father, I lift up Your child as she/he begins this new year and new day. I ask You to arm them with Your strength. As they go about their jobs, wherever they are, will You please help them to turn any complaints or concerns to You. Remind them that You already know what thedays hold and You have them in Your hand. You know what is best and good for them just as David sang out to You. May Your children choose now, to believe Your words over anxiety in the world. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, lift your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:6-7). Just as David sang, may they sing Your praises in all circumstances. Thank You, Lord, for hearing this prayer. Thank you, Father, for loving us and never giving up on us. Continue to turn our hearts toward You and May our muscles of faith grow more and more replacing the fat of unbelief.
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