Raw Prayers Psalms That Move Us from Hurt

Raw Prayers: Psalms That Move Us from Hurt to Hope

Verse 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.

1. Falling into Bitterness (Verses 1 -14)

Verses 1 -3 Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!

They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.

“What does God know? ” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening? ” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

2. Landing in the Sanctuary (Verses 15 -17)

If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

3. When we come into church, God tells us 3 things… A. “In the present, remember what’s permanent!” (Verses 17 -20)

Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture: The slippery road you’ve put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes. . Nothing. There’s nothing to them. And there never was.

Galatians 6: 7 -8 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

“Someday the mystery of suffering…of madhouses, mass graves…of widows and orphans will be illuminated. Someday will come the 'hereafter, ' when we shall learn all the answers. Someday the paralyzing contradiction between justice, on the one hand, and life's seeming game of chance, on the other, will be reconciled. Someday the tension between rich and poor, between the sunny side of life and the gloomy zones of horror, will be equalized. This you can trust. ” --Helmut Thielicke

B. “Don’t be bitter, you’re blessed!” (Verses 21 -24)

When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given Life that I might enjoy all things.

"I asked for strength that I might achieve; God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given Life that I might enjoy all things. I received nothing that I asked for; but all that I hoped for. My prayer was answered. "

C. “I am with you, and that’s all that matters!” (Verses 25 -28)

You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left you are falling apart! Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again. But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!

Verse 2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

Jude 24 -25 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.