Unexpected journeys. Little and big—life is full of them. A quick trip to the grocery store turns into a car accident, injuries, and several months of recuperation. A routine drive home from work turns into a breakdown on the highway and a lengthy wait for a tow truck. A call on the cell phone turns into the news that someone you loved has passed away. A checkup with the doctor reveals that the cancer is back with a vengeance.
We can negotiate the little unexpected journeys of life—mostly. The big, unexpected journeys, however, can turn our lives upside down. During such times, some of us have a faith that remains solid. Some of us genuinely resonate with what David wrote about in Psalm 23:4: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.”
Others of us have more of a struggle. We go through times when we experience what David wrote about in Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so far away when I groan for help?”
Are you going through one of those major unexpected journeys of life? Is your faith like the one found in Psalm 23? Or do you find yourself in the place David spoke from in Psalm 22? Wherever you are, don’t pretend with God. Know that He is gracious and meets you where you are.
God doesn’t want us to stay in the opening verses of Psalm 22. But David’s highs and lows recorded in the Psalms show us that during difficult, unforeseen journeys of life there are moments for both ardent faith and honest pain.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 11:1-27
More:
Read Jesus’ “Psalm 22” moment in Mark 15:34.
Next:
What struggle or personal pain have you been trying to hide from God? Why is it vital that we confess our true spiritual and emotional conditions to Him?
nattykins on April 5, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Thank You Jeff,
I truly needed to read this. I too have been going through valleys and mountains especially from having to take my father to the hospital, to having my own health ailments, to even losing my debit card…but you know? Even though we go through trials and tribulations, God is with us. My dad is now out of the hospital, I’ve been feeling somewhat better, and someone was gracious enough to turn my lost card in. I hope to continue to learn and grow through these challenges and grow closer to God in the process. 🙂
Jeff Olson on April 5, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Nattykins, thanks for sharing your story. I know where you are coming from. Both of my parents have recently been in the hospital and are facing some serious ailments. My chronic back is well…chronic…and there have been other disconcerting events…good to hear that things have taken a turn for the better…its a small sort of glimpse of the new day that has dawned through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
tom felten on April 5, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Two of the good things about unexpected journeys: 1) They help us mature and grow stronger in our faith; 2) They drive us to our knees and to a deeper craving for God.
winn collier on April 6, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I like that with either, it’s a journey. A path. Walking a way with God.