Thank you, Brother Jerry, for planting this idea in my brain as I was reading your comments to yesterday’s blog!

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Discouragement has a way of overwhelming the mind and heart, doesn’t it? If one more trial or mishap comes into my life today, I just don’t think I could bear it! My shoulders begin to droop from the weight of it all. My heart is so heavy and tears are just waiting to spill over my lower eyelids at the next cross word that comes my way. Who in their right mind can enjoy living in this state? Surely when we step back and look at it in this light, we would conclude that no one would. So then why do we insist on remaining in this state of discouragement?

Oh how wonderful to be able to leave our trials behind and hit the road in search of a babbling brook nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Oh the peace that can be found as we sit on a rock by the brook and listen to the cardinals singing, the rustling of the leaves as the gentle breeze blows, and feeling the sunshine on our faces! What a sanctuary the Lord has given us in His beautiful creation. OK, so we can’t just up and leave and travel to our sanctuary. But the Word says that we can visit that Rock whenever we want – and at that Rock, we will find the sanctuary which will provide us with an even better benefit as that getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

David pleads to God to lead him to the rock that is higher than he is in Psalm 61:2. What rock? And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1Co 10:4) Thank You, Lord, for this verse in Your Holy Word! Jesus promises to refresh us with living water! He is our Source for refreshing our discouraged heart! We can run to that mountain stream and sit on that rock any time we want by turning to His Word and talking to Him! His promises are ever before us in His Word, but we must do the seeking, my friend. You cannot be force fed. Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

My heart is discouraged, my eyes dim.
It is exhausting to seek the cure.
But I know that His Word is my salve.
It is healing and peace, He assures.

Excerpt from Perfect Love

Psalm 57:1-2, [To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (1) I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. (2)

Does this sound like one of your prayers, dear Christian? David had a way with words, didn’t he? I’ve always felt that God placed specific accounts in His Word for us to walk away with a golden nugget to enrich our spiritual walk.

David not only had a way with words, but he had a way of letting his Heavenly Father know exactly how discouraged he was. David was aware that God already knew what was in his heart. Yet, David took the time to specifically spell out every detail of his trial and the way he was feeling. David leaves no doubt to the reader, and to God, of what is on his mind.

As you deal with your discouragement, stop and look at the way David’s petitions to God are laid out:

o David cries out and pleads to God
o David acknowledges that he trusts God
o David recognizes God’s provision during his trial
o David knows that God will take care of everything

What a pattern to follow! God already knows what you are feeling, dear Christian. But putting our thoughts into words bring closure somehow. That is why I love writing so much.

In closing, don’t you just love the analogy David uses about being in the shadow of God’s wings for shelter? One can only experience the shade of a tree or its protection from a passing rain if one stands under that tree. You cannot enjoy the shade and protection by watching it from afar, can you?

It is said that the Canadian goose allows the young to huddle under her wings next to her body for shelter and warmth. What a lovely picture! When we run to the Lord, as David did, we are not only sheltered from the storms of discouragement, but we are kept “warm.” You cannot be kept warm at a distance, my friend. You must first draw close to God to receive His warmth. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. (Jam 4:8a)

How I thank Thee, oh Shepherd of my soul
For protecting me from the enemy’s snares
Under Thy wings I do safely abide
As I find peaceful rest in Thy care

Kate Plourde
July 20, 2006