It's good to think more deeply about the mercies of God in times of crisis. To help guide us in this effort, we'll consider Paul David Tripp's collection of meditations from Psalm 27 called "A Shelter in the Time of Storm." You can get your own copy on Amazon here.

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear.

Psalm 27:3

There are times when we read something in the Psalms and think, "I wish that were me." I wish I always (or more often) loved God the way this writer does. I wish I trusted God that much. I wish I had faith that was strong in times of crisis.

The Christian life exists in the tension of the desire for glorification (perfection in Christ) and the reality of sanctification (living with and overcoming indwelling sin). We just "aren't there yet," and we're fully aware of that fact.

This meditation is a poem about that tension. "I would like to say that my heart is at rest, but I can't."  Tripp articulates many of the different ways where we still, much to our own shame, fall short. But he doesn't write this poem to bury us in shame. He acknowledges the reality of our situation to draw us to prayer for help and release.

I pray:
"Help me, Father, today to
let go of my need
to always understand.
Enable me to live in rest when
I don't know
I don't know before
what will happen.
Help me to have a restful heart
when
opposition is great,
and all I have is You."

Questions to Consider

The questions are Tripp's. I included my answers in case they're helpful to read.

1. Is there evidence form the way you live that your heart is not at rest?

- Impatience with others and occasionally with myself.

2. Where are you demanding understanding rather than resting in God, who is faithful, loving, powerful, and good?

- I need to give this more thought. Nothing specifically is coming to mind.