How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
2023 was very difficult for me physically and financially. Long Covid twice that affected my neurological system and my ability to walk and maneuver my way around. A severed artery almost cost me my life and this last stay… Well, they are trying to figure it out today. Our finances are tight because of the hospital stays, doctor visits, and lab tests. Even with good insurance, there are bills to pay and prescriptions to buy. And in this economy everything is expensive! I am working on what they call a side hustle if I can stay well enough to do it. So, yes I feel defeated, beat down, and ask “Where are you, Jesus?”
Psalm 13 is me. First I complain and then I praise.
This continual assault upon my body and our finances has made me look to the Lord more than once and ask “Why?” You would think after 40 years, I would give up and tell Jesus to go away. But I don’t. I always say there is a reason for my suffering or, at least I am not a quadriplegic. Why? Because I love Jesus! He is my all and all! He is where I lay my head when I feel I can’t go on another day. He is with whom I walk in the stillness of the garden and rock in the safety of His arms.
Psalm 13 is me. First I complain and then I praise.
I am going to take Psalm 13 and reverse it this year. First I will praise and if I am having a difficult time, Jesus and I can discuss it. And, even though 2023 was the worst year I have ever had in my life, I plan on taking a positive attitude moving into 2024! Hopefully, I can document it on my blog and see the difference in my life through the blog.
What about you? I pray you are finding renewal in 2024, good health, and great abundance! God Bless You!
Joni
The Tent Maker Blog 