My Heart’s Cry
28 Jul 2011 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic, Conditions and Diseases, God, Health, Jesus, Lord, Psalm, Southern Indiana
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
I recently had a long bout of kidney stones and kidney infections. The physical stress of that has, of course, made the fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses flare up as wehttp://restministries.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=10250&type=image&TB_iframe=1ll. I feel like I have been sick a long
time! It really has been hard, and I will admit, I complained.
It is only natural I suppose. Pain hurts. And pain that lasts a long time is more than a little hard to take.
It wears on all of my being; physically, emotionally and spiritually. So, my heart gets discouraged and my mouth then will complain.
One day I got sick of hearing myself complain. My husband would ask how I was doing and I would complain. My daughter asked me in the morning if I was feeling better yet, and I would answer in the negative. What a wet blanket to be around! I don’t want to be a self absorbed complainer!
How can I be truthful, yet still have an uplifting attitude? The answer is by keeping my heart’s eyes on the Lord Jesus. By praying this prayer every day. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, My Rock, and My Redeemer.” If I do not allow my heart to complain, then my mouth won’t either.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” If my heart is the wellspring of my life, then I want it to stay pure!
Psalm 51:10 tells us to pray, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” I want to remain steadfast in my walk with God. So, while yes, I am in pain, my heart can remain steadfast and true. With my eyes on Jesus, pain is put in it’s place!
Psalm 57:2, 10 reminds me, “I cry out to God Most High, to God Who fulfills His purpose for me. For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” You see, I can dwell on the pain. Or I can dwell on the wonderful love and faithfulness of the Father. It all depends on my focus.
And Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
That promise says it all!
Prayer: Lord, remind me to keep my focus on You. To keep that steadfast spirit, to discipline myself to have thoughts that are pure.
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a Pastor’s wife who lives in Southern Indiana with her two children and two precious spoiled cats. She loves reading and cross stitching. She has fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses. The Scripture today has become her hearts cry.
Note: We are repeating some of our favorite devotionals this week from past years. This was originally written by Sandra in 2006.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
When your thoughts are tempted to be impure and focus on the negative, even given a voice so that you are in a complaining mood, what do you do to get back on track and keep your thoughts on who God is and not what your life lacks?
Jul 28, 2011 @ 16:40:15
The only place I truly find “right thinking” and peace is in the presence of my loving God. I usually listen to sacred music, read devotionals, and read The Word of the Lord. Somehow He ministers peace and hope to my spirit, which in turn makes my failing health fall into perspective so that I can go beyond human strength and rely on His promises and faithfulness. It definitely is a work of His grace when he soothes my spirit, and gives me strength to endure. Without his constant input, love, and faithfulness, I would never be able to get beyond the “poor me” attitude.
Jul 28, 2011 @ 21:19:17
I realize that this is a repeat devotional, but I find it interesting that I was attracted to this same topic on my own blog! I know when things come around more than once, that God is talking to me! I’m so glad He chose to reinforce my own thoughts in this timely manner. Confirms for me that things happen when they are supposed to and are right on schedule! Thanks!
Jul 28, 2011 @ 22:51:10
This is a beautiful devotion. I am not at this place with my illness. Being born with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis my coping skill was always pity. I want to change this. When I am in pain my initial reaction is to “vent”. It relieves some pain but more importantly, I do not feel so alone. I feel like this illness is too much and I need to have someone to help me carry this load.
What other ways are there? I can not pretend I am not in pain but do not want to put it on others anymore
God Bless
Maria