The Dangerous Path

When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightening flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters – a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds. Psalm 77: 16-20 NLT

The psalm is speaking of the rescue of the Israelites from Egypt. We might be accustomed to hearing of the parting of the Red Sea and take it for granted. Yet, this verse puts it in a new perspective: the parting of the Red Sea was marking God's path for God's people. This was a path through dangerous territory. This was a path no one else could sea. The path was surrounded by dangers on both sides and evil at their heels.

God's way through was not a comfortable one nor was it expected. No one but God could have arranged the way out of their predicament. In fact, no one could even see where exactly God was leading.

From your own perspective, how often does God's road lead through the sea? Are you now in a place with danger at your heels? Do you see no way out for yourself? God wants to provide a way for you but it will be a road no one can see. God has an escape route planned but it is going to appear even worse than what is following you. Yet, this is God's pathway. Are you willing to trust and take the first step?

God, your road often leads to the sea, through mighty waters. Your pathway is not one I nor anyone else can see. Help me to stick to your road and follow your lead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

Changing our Tune

And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrated your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Psalm 77: 10-15 NLT

The psalmist of Psalm 77 sure has changed his tune.

The psalm began with a panicked look at unanwered prayers. Perhaps God just didn't answer them right away – like the psalmist wanted. When he began to recall all that God had done in his life, he changed his tune.

The God who had his hand against him became the God of great wonders.

The God who had slammed the door on compassion became the redeemer of God's people.

The God who stopped being kind demonstrated his awesome power among the nations.

Perhaps it is time to change your tune, as well.

O God, your ways are holy! I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. You are awesome, indeed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

Where is God

You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? Psalm 77: 4-9 NLT

Have you ever been too distressed to pray? I certainly have! In fact,when I look at my prayer life I am often amazed at the times when I don't pray – even when I have seen the power of answered prayer in my life time and again. It is certainly easier to dwell on those times rather than focus on what needs I must bring to the Lord now. I get caught up in worry and then my stress level goes up even more. I don't ask but dwell.

Then I wonder where God has gone. Where is his unfailing love? Where are his promises? Where is the graciousness of God? What happened to God's compassion?

Perhaps I need to return to singing God's praises. Even thought the prayers have not been answered, I can rest assured that God does have an answer and I can give praises for them. I dont' have to wait until all the prayers are heard. I can praise God now.

God, I praise you for all the answers you have for my prayers – even for those that will remain unanswered for purposes only you know. You love me with an unfailing love, showing compassion andgrace. I thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims

I Cry Out to God

I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Psalm 77:1-3 NLT

Do you feel as though God sometimes doesn't hear your prayers? Have you ever prayed and prayed for something, yet God never answered you?

Perhaps in your time with God you also felt empty or abandoned. Some people call such a feeling, “The dark night of the soul.” I know some truly godly people who have been through such a time. But they never stopped trying to reach God, calling out to him. One such person I know played her flute when words seemed empty and hopeless. Her music became her prayer and served as an anchor to keep her in God's presence.

If you ever find yourself in such a place, I do recommend going to a counselor to make sure you are not suffering from depression. I have known that to happen to people when they are depressed. And depression is not always a life-long illness. Medicine can help balance all the hormones in your body and help you to be more open to God's presence.

But this can happen to you even when you are not suffering from depression. I think this would be an excellent psalm to pray again and again if you feel as though God is absent from your life.

God, sometimes we cry out to you but hear no response. We feel as though we have been abandoned. If we are suffering from depression, move us to seek help. If we must go through this time of spiritual searching, do not be far from us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2012 Amelia G. Sims