DRIVEN OUT?

    Do you ever feel like you are being pushed out or driven out?  I am taking a respite from the closing chapters of Jeremiah and resting in Psalm 42 for today and will finish tomorrow.  In this Psalm, King David is being driven out of his kingdom by his son, Absolom, who is very angry and has his heart set on betraying his father. Granted ole Dave will not be awarded "Father of the Year",  yet he was greatly used of God in Israel and was Israel's most successful king. (Thank the Lord that HE can use us in spite of our frailties!)

These are my thoughts on David's transparent and humble prayer to God:
1.  Israel was known for its dry and almost desert-like climate, so to find a stream of water was a real treasure.  David compares the thirst that he has for Elohim to be a lot like the male deer who has finally found a watering hole.  The deer is panting and probably weary, but he still must be cautious because other animals also gather at the watering hole and he can become a prey very easily.  David knows that Elohim like a stream of water, will meet Him and satisfy his thirst.  
2.  David recalls the times that he was able to lead the procession to the house of God to worship and to praise, but now, on the run, he is far from the location of the temple. One can almost hear the grieving tone of his voice. 
3.  Note that he speaks to himself by asking the question, "Soul, why are you downcast?"   The Hebrew for downcast is depressed.  His second question, "Why so disturbed within me?  The Hebrew for disturb is the word, commotion or tumult. Pay attention as to how he answers himself, "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."  Do you notice that he does NOT move in victim mode, whine, or pity-party, but he speaks truth to himself?
4.  When you are picking your buckshot out of your britches, what do you say to yourself?  
5.  For those of us to talk aloud to ourselves, remember who else is listening, and take the opportunity to encourage your heart and stand firmly.  Isa. 7:9b, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." 
Oh, Lord God, give me courage to align my beliefs to the truth of Your Word because it is forever settled in the heavens!  (Psalm 119:89)  Cause me, Holy Spirit, to speak Your Word to my heart and mind.  Ever learning!  Still in process!  #IHAVETHREESONS (and I am missing the eldest son!  Thank you for heaven!)

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