The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:9-10

It’s easy in life, to get caught up just pushing forward. It’s easy in life, to also get stuck in present circumstances. Especially when what we are in the midst of, or frantically trying to get through, doesn’t meet our standard of “ideal”.

Even as a follower of Jesus I have these moments. I’ve made a mistake, said something stupid, done something hurtful. I still have times where my emotions get the best of me, or I let the situation I’m in dictate my thinking and behavior.

I have moments when I fail to live a life that honors God. I haven’t “arrived”.

I’ve been spending my devotional time working through the Psalms again, and I love the authenticity from David in the ones he authored. You get to experience his rollercoaster of a life in a very raw way. A broken man who made a lot of mistakes, yet God called him a man after His own heart.

As you read his praises, frustrations, even laments, David was able to see God’s hand at work. Whether in the past, present, or future, David understood and more importantly believed that God was with Him, even when he made a mistake and felt alone.

How often do you find yourself feeling you have disappointed God? Thinking you have wandered so far from His grace you can’t ever come back? Do you ever feel so consumed by your emotions and the circumstances around you? My guess is like me, at times you do. Our feelings can blind us from the truth and reality of God’s love and presence in the lives of His children.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:11-12

David knew well the struggle between our feelings and reality. He came to understand through the struggles he faced that God’s grace extends far beyond our mistakes. And when we pause and look, we can find His presence around us. He is always there, always full of love and grace for His children. Song has always been a powerful communicator of truth to my spirit, and a song by Iron Bell Music helped illustrate this truth even more. Notice specifically these lyrics, and I encourage you to worship through the song below.

You have always, always, always loved me
Even at my weakest…
I look back and see You moving towards me
I look back and see You fighting for me