Fists and Faith

READ: PSALMS 56:8; 62:5-8; ISAIAH 40:11; 43:1; 55:8-9

Waves roll wild across the lake
With every roar my soul aches
Grief and sorrow meld
Like the waters foam and quake

This pain and anger testify
My heart is still awake

The sharp intake of sobbing breath
Pounding beat beneath my chest
Alternating between sorrow and rage
But still, my God, you know my name

I don’t always understand Your ways
Suffering and days of strain
The laying of flowers on a grave

I clench my fists
My grip is tight
But You uncurl my fingers
Turn this darkness into light

Like a child pounds her fists
Against the chest of the one
She knows best
I will feel my grief
But not forget
Your complete faithfulness

Your ways are so much higher
And although I don’t agree
I know that You’ll forever be
The One who carries me

Today I feel this sorrow
Tomorrow, perhaps joy
Always there is Your promise:
I will never walk alone

You bottle every tear that falls
You will handle all this rage
In You I am found and held
And ever, always safe • Savannah Coleman

• What emotions do you notice in this poem? Can you think of a time you felt those kinds of emotions? Do you feel that way today? Everyone goes through seasons of grief, pain, and suffering. Whether you are facing a diagnosis you didn’t see coming, missing a loved one who passed, or struggling with depression and anxiety, you are not alone.* God never promised us a life free from troubles, but He does promise His presence and peace (Exodus 33:14; John 16:33). And, He promises that one day Jesus will return and make all things new—then everyone who has put their trust in Jesus will live with Him forever, finally free of all suffering and sorrow (Revelation 21:1-5). What emotions do these promises stir up in you?

• God created us with many emotions and the ability to express them. Instead of shutting these emotions down, we need to process our grief and anger with God. Remember, Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and He knows what it feels like to be human. He did not withhold Himself from any of the pain and sorrow of human life. He entered into it fully, ultimately suffering the agony of the cross so that He could be with us forever (Mark 14:32-36). But death could not keep its hold on Him—He rose again, defeating sin and death and darkness to save us. Nothing we could bring to Him could ever be too much. He already knows it all before we say a word, and He wants to shed His light on every dark place (Psalm 139; Ephesians 5:13-14). Have you ever tried to be open with Him about how you’re feeling? What was that like?

• David wrote many psalms where you can feel his raw emotion bleeding through the pages. His honesty is refreshing and cathartic. Even as he pours out his heart and relays the tragic things that happen to him, he reminds himself to place his hope and trust in God and continue to pour out his heart to the One who loves him (Psalm 62:5-8). (If you want to dig deeper, you can read a few of David’s psalms for yourself: Psalms 31, 34, and 62.) Consider taking some time to let yourself be honest with God and pour out your heart to Him.

• It can be difficult to give ourselves permission to feel the emotions God has given us, but God is eager to help us, and one of the primary ways He helps His people is through His people. Who is a trusted Christian you could talk with about what’s going on in your life and how you feel about it?

• *If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern, who is a trusted adult you could talk to? If you need someone to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)