Not a One Time Event

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 (New American Standard Bible)

Nineteen verses in the book of Psalms express David’s plea to God in times of distress. He learned the right thing to do when he was in trouble or turmoil…..cry out to God. He proclaimed Who God was, what his problem was, and what He wanted God to do for him in that place. He also sang songs about God’s heart, kindness, and presence. I don’t know how long it took for David to experience his deliverance in these times but I know this, he continually did what was necessary while waiting for that deliverance. Whether it was trouble from without or turmoil from within he knew that his source, security, and strength would only be found in God.

I have often made the mistake of thinking that once a lesson is learned I am good to go and will not face the difficulty again. Be it a sinful habit, a dependency issue, an addiction, or a hurt I somehow want to believe there is a puzzle piece and once I find it I will be free from continued struggles in those areas. I am now learning how far from the truth that kind of thinking is! It simply sets me up for disillusionment and discouragement. Life’s lessons are NOT learned so that I will be free from repeating the same scenarios but rather they are learned so that I know what to do when I once again face those scenarios.

So what is it I know to do? Acknowledge what is happening in and around me and how it is affecting me. Look to God for needed grace, strength, wisdom, and direction. Take His commands and advice to heart and act upon the truths He is showing me either in His Word or through individuals He brings across my path. Unlike salvation which is a one time event in my life, growth and sanctification are ongoing processes.

In the past number of months, I have had reoccurring bouts of a sinus infection…this week being the most recent. Seeing my doctor, taking my medicine, and catching up on my sleep are the repeated steps I take. They don’t guarantee a permanent solution but rather a necessary step for now. The same is true of my repeated bouts with issues at hand. Each time the need arises I must repeat the steps He has previously shown me. It does not mean I didn’t learn the lessons the first time. It means as a person I will spend the rest of my life looking to God, seeking God, asking God for help, and finding deliverance for that moment. If David and others in the Bible had to continually go to God for help, who am I to think I must not do the same?

Father, as the opportunities arise help me to do the right thing and look to You. May I not hesitate to cry and sing out to You! Amen.

Sing for Joy - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBs2V4_61AQ

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.