Many years ago, on the advice of my Pastor at that time, I underwent counseling. He and I both agreed that it was important to understand the underlying issues in my life that had brought me to the wretched state that I found myself at that point. I had never been to a counselor and was initially optimistic and hopeful but after a few sessions, I didn’t like what I heard and in fact, rebelled against the advice I was given. For reasons that were directly related to the counseling sessions, I responded by wandering away from God for nearly five years. At that time, this was my forlorn and puerile solution to the problems of my life. I thought I was solving my problems when in reality, I was simply fleeing God’s presence.
Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless.
Psalms 107:4 (NLT)
Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High.
Psalms 107:10-11 (NLT)
Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins.
Psalms 107:17 (NLT)
Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world.
Psalms 107:23 (NLT)
All of these people that are mentioned in these verses from Psalms 107 attempted to flee from the presence of God and each time, God’s grace and mercy reached out to them and brought them back. I have read this Psalm many times but this time, the Holy Spirit convicted me. These were not strangers, or distant historical figures lost in Jewish lore, this is me, many years ago. How should I have responded to this crisis of faith in my life? Once again, God gives me the answer.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out!…
Psalms 107:1-2 (NLT)
It is convenient to blame others or convince myself that it was circumstances beyond my control that led me to flee from God. The reality is that I chose to rebel and blame God for a situation that my sins directly caused. The most painful life lesson is when I look into the mirror of God’s Word and understand that He is speaking to me and not a stranger. Only through God’s grace and mercy did He lead me back into sweet fellowship with Him by repenting and confessing my sins and acknowledging Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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