I was on a conference call the other day as person after person complained about being inconvenienced by this current situation we all find ourselves in. At first I found this behavior odd but then it struck me that this is a normal response from the world – one of fear and discontentment – especially in the face of troubling times. However, as children of God, we are called to a different response, not one of fear and discontentment but one of gratitude and praise.

Reading through Psalm 142 I'm reminded of David's situation where he felt a sense of helplessness and hopelessness as his enemies were plotting to trap him. Yet it is this same feeling of helplessness within his soul that drove David to seek the Lord in prayer.

I'm reminded by this psalm that it's okay to cry out to the Lord with your voice! In the midst of his situation David cried out verbally to the Lord, pouring out (literally emptying himself) of his troubles – casting them upon the Lord. So, this prompts me to ask, "When was the last time you truly emptied yourself of your troubles to the Lord?"

David reminds us in verse 5 of the reason believers respond differently than the world – it's because the Lord is our refuge. When the troubles of the world seem insurmountable we seek refuge in the person of Jesus Christ as He is our great defender, our great protector, our great provider and our portion, meaning He is ALL we need! In troubled times, all we need is the Lord.

Knowing this truth we are called to respond with an attitude of gratitude, praising the name of the Lord (v.7). So, how does this play out in your life and mine? Well, as we engage people this week – either in person (standing 6 feet apart) or in a Zoom meeting – we need to make sure that our conversations are drenched in gratitude. When someone asks how you are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, respond to them with all the things you are currently grateful for – starting with your health!

Let's begin today by seeking the Lord in prayer, casting our troubles on Him, and living in a manner that cries out to the rest of the world, "The Lord is my refuge!"

May God bless you and keep you this week!

In Christ,

Patrick Ransom