Being Real

I have been sitting here for more than an hour, using distractions to avoid writing. The reason isn't that I couldn't think of anything to write; instead I've been avoiding writing what is on my mind. Most of the time I can pull off a pretty good happy face and convincingly share how well I'm doing. Then there are other times when I just can't fake it.

I've slipped into a bit of a slump. The daylight hours are shrinking. The trigger point injections I get for pain in my back didn't give me much relief this time. My attempt at kicking up my exercise sessions have aggravated the pain in my hips and back. I can't seem to get enough sleep and I lack energy for the things I need to do.

But, no matter what our personal issue is, God always provides an answer in scripture.  The Book of Psalms is a great place to look for God's response to nearly every trial we face. My New International Study Bible has an topical index of the Psalms that makes it easy to find what you are looking for. I can't share them all but I will share a few that address what I need to hear today and maybe they will touch your heart also.

Psalms 6, 13,18, 28, 29, 40, and 86 speak to us when we are tired or feeling weak. When we feel overwhelmed we should read Psalms 25, 69, and 142.  When we are grieving, read Psalms 23 and 34. If we face illness, Psalms 6, and 139 provide help. In all circumstances we must pray to God and trust that His answer will come in His time.

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, I have overcome him, and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me" (Psalm 13 NIV).