4:134 – Bittersweet Symphony

#faithbites #faithjourney bittersweet

Setting

The only word I have tonight is Bittersweet. That is how I am feeling. Some things I can discuss, others, I can’t. I’m happy that I’m seeing some of my family for the first time in over a year. We get to visit my mum and all I think about is how much to.e do we have left with her. Then there are other things that have ups and downs associated with them. So Bittersweet is what I have. A good friend told me that nothing too good or too bad lasts too long. But he didn’t say is get them at the same time.

But as always, God provides. I will turn this over to him and see what he says.

Today’s Questions: What do you do when you are feeling melancholy? Do you try to push the bitter sweet away or embrace it? How is God using this season on your life to teach you a lesson?

Scripture

Psalm 31

O Lord, I have come to you for protection;
don’t let me be disgraced.
Save me, for you do what is right.
2 Turn your ear to listen to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
a fortress where I will be safe.
3 You are my rock and my fortress.
For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.
4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
for I find protection in you alone.
5 I entrust my spirit into your hand.
Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

6 I hate those who worship worthless idols.
I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not handed me over to my enemies
but have set me in a safe place.

9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.
10 I am dying from grief;
my years are shortened by sadness.
Sin has drained my strength;
I am wasting away from within.
11 I am scorned by all my enemies
and despised by my neighbors—
even my friends are afraid to come near me.
When they see me on the street,
they run the other way.
12 I am ignored as if I were dead,
as if I were a broken pot.
13 I have heard the many rumors about me,
and I am surrounded by terror.
My enemies conspire against me,
plotting to take my life.

14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
16 Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me.
17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,
for I call out to you for help.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them lie silent in the grave.[a]
18 Silence their lying lips—
those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

19 How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.

21 Praise the Lord,
for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.
He kept me safe when my city was under attack.
22 In panic I cried out,
“I am cut off from the Lord!”
But you heard my cry for mercy
and answered my call for help.

23 Love the Lord, all you godly ones!
For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,
but he harshly punishes the arrogant.
24 So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Reflection

Today, we will let God’s word.speak for itself. I didn’t know, really know Psalm 31, until watching 9-1-1 Lonestar and a character had this tattooed on his hand.

When I am feeling down, or bittersweet, I take refuge in the Lord. I pray that you find solace in His word and no matter you high or low or in between, the Lord provides and will carry you.

As we close, don’t lose hope. It’s ok to have the ups and downs and bittersweet moments. God has this like he has everything.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, there is a lot on my heart and the hearts of friends. From births to sickness, from visits to major life changes, so many things are going on in the loves of your people. Tonight we pray for your refuge, solace, and love. Lord, hear our prayers.

Father God, we turn everything over to you. We know we aren’t in control and when we try to take control things get out of wack. So, Lord, we pray for you to take everything over and help us. Lord, hear our prayers.

And when we are out of words, we pray the words you taught us:

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen