“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3

Petition

I find myself in a dilemma that consumes my thoughts and gnaws at my gut. It is a situation I did not create and am helpless to resolve. The potential consequences are disastrous and heartbreaking. There is but one recourse—Jesus.

Early in my journey with Jesus, I would have been consumed. I may have resorted to entertainment or alcohol or busyness or denial to numb my soul and quiet my brain. I have learned that none of these things work and they sometimes just make it all worse.

In contrast, I find that when I cry out to God and leave it with Him, there is peace. There is a patience that endures. The weight is gone because God Himself bears it.

Later in that same chapter the psalmist says,“You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know because God is for me” (Psalm 56:8-9). God knows what I am going through and cares about my dilemma. He sees my tears and hears my prayers. He takes note and acknowledges my plight. He alone can bring victory. He alone can cause me to overcome. He will break through and defeat my enemy.

I have found that God intercedes for me and does what I cannot do. I have found that God meets me in my distress and anxiety. The answer may not be immediate, but I am assured that God is working all things together for good. All things—even this.

I have given it to Him and it will rest with Him to do with as He pleases. I have a mental picture of me writing out my request and petition, my questions, my frustrations, my confusion. Then I take that written report and enter God’s “office” and lay it on His desk (and not mine). Now He has it and He will take action as He deems fitting in all His knowledge and wisdom. I leave His office with a sigh of relief and faith arises that all will be well. Someway, somehow, someday.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

“Father, I cannot change hearts or give blind eyes sight. I am not Creator, nor am I Savior. Move and act and do according to Your will. I will trust You evermore. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”