Daily Devotional for Saturday, November 16

David's Desperation and Realization

“I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me,” Psalm 142:2, 3.

How many times have you been told or have told someone, to stop complaining? It is little children that often hear this because complaining is a natural reaction to circumstances, and it is something that needs to be taught not to do. The opposite of complaining is giving thanks, which all people young and old need to be taught to do, and something the Bible instructs you to do.

Why then did David, in this psalm and others, pour out his complaint? The reality is that no matter how often you give thanks, there will always be times you feel overwhelmed. This word means to be overcome or overpowered by thought or feeling, feelings of darkness and despair.

David’s life was in jeopardy. Saul was seeking after him to kill him because Saul himself was overtaken with jealousy. Did this give David reason to complain, to feel overwhelmed? Have you faced circumstances that caught you off guard, that made you feel trapped or overburdened? What was your response? Sometimes we are led to take our burdens before the Lord.

David did not complain about God or blame God for the situation. He told God how he felt, and that is something we should do. Feelings should never be denied, that will make things worse. David also felt alone. He realized no man was there to help. Yet, he called upon the One who could. He understood God was the refuge and strength he needed because there is no refuge in man.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
When you are overwhelmed, pour out your complaint to God.

Yet, praise Him for being your refuge and strength.

Karry Irizarry