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.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the
Lord in the land of the living!

Psalm 27:13

This meditation is a poem that reflects powerfully on the temptation to just give up. The world is broken. There is corruption all around us. We are part of the problem too, failing to love our neighbor as ourselves and trading harmony for selfish gain. We sin and those around us sin. We live in a world with injustice. We face temptations daily. Why not just give up?

...But in
exhaustion I look up and not around
and I say,
"Why bother?"
Because you are and you are good.
Why bother?
Because you dispense goodness and grace.
Why bother?
Because you bring life out of death.
Why bother?
Because you have a plan and it will be done.
Why bother?
Because I have been welcomed into your Kingdom of Life.
Why bother?
Because I am always with you.
It is true
that my eyes don't always see
and my heart isn't always confident.
It is true that darkness overwhelms me
and fear leaves me weak.
But you come near.
You remind me once again
that I can be confident
because
you were unwilling to say,
"Why bother?"

Questions to Consider

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

1. Is there a place right now where you are wondering if it is worth it to continue?

- This isn't an area of regular struggle for me. 

2. What specific truths will give you reason to continue as you face the disappointments and difficulties of life?

- God simply does not fail. He cannot fail. My plans might. When I hope in the wrong things, those things might not come to pass. But there is absolutely nothing God has promised me that I will not ultimately have.