O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands. (Psalm 119:169-173 NLT)
Over and over again in the above scripture the writer asks for God’s help. He asks to be given discernment; for help and deliverance from trouble; for a life that is good; for wisdom to follow God’s commands. As one request after another comes, we recognize the intensity of the needs being expressed. The writer likens himself to a lost sheep who has strayed and desires the shepherd to help it find its way.
Another picture we are given is of God reaching down with His hand to help us. The hand that reaches down is the hand of Jesus that is scarred from being nailed to the cross for our sins. It’s a loving and powerful hand, and our name is engraved on it. Not only does Jesus empower us to get out of trouble, but He walks with us and speaks to us and gives us instructions that we will “delight” to obey. How amazing is that?
Our part in walking with God in recovery is to ask for and receive God’s help; to follow His instructions; and allow Him to lift us up and steady us with His righteous right hand. Just like little children, we may stumble and fall on the way, but as we remain close to God, He will hear our cry for help and respond to our need. Soon, the sounds coming out of our mouths will be songs of joy and praise to our gracious God who tenderly loves and cares for us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, It seems like I have many needs, but I’m willing to trust You to meet each one of them. Help me to take your hand as we walk together on the path of life. Thank You for encouraging me when I stumble. Do for me what I cannot do for myself Help me to stay close to you today and every day. Amen
©2018 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.