TIMES OF NEED

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and find grace

to help us in our times of need.

Hebrews 4.16

Ps. 42.1-3 helps us identify the internal troubles that we experience when we are facing hardship and difficulty.

 

As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you my God. 

My soul thirsts for God for the living God. 

When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

while people say to me all day long,

"Where is your God?"

 

Ps.43.1-2 refers troubles as they are experienced with others--"those who are deceitful and wicked."

 

Rescue me from those who are deceitful and wicked. 

You are God my stronghold.

Why have You rejected me?

Why must I go about mourning,

oppressed by the enemy?

  

Ps 42.4 promises us that God will provide a refuge where we can meditate on the grace that has brought us hope, praise, and something to remember.

 

These things I remember as I pour out my soul: 

 how I used to go to the house of God

under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.

 

Ps 43.3 tells us of a holy mountain where God dwells.

Here there is light and faithful care for a deeper fellowship with our Lord and Savior.

Send me Your light and Your faithful care,

 let them lead me;

let them bring me to Your holy mountain,

to the place where You dwell.

 

 

In this mountain fellowship we find peace and quiet, the rest Jesus promises for our souls--Matthew 11.28-30.  

 

This is like the still water and green pasture of Ps 23 and the bedroom retreat of Ps 4.4-5. 

 

Special times and places of refuge for abiding fellowship with Jesus soon leads us to walking in His Spirit at all times.

 

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,

holy and pleasing to God—

this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12.1