Psalm 25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

It is very interesting to have this right after the magnificent statements of faith in the first 15 verses. This demonstrates both that David was totally honest before God and that he knew that speaking truth is a good way to implant it into your own heart. We all have moments of feeling very alone, and we don’t need to pretend otherwise. The answer is always to seek God’s face, because “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) All the things David has written in the first 15 verses are true, which is precisely why he can be open about his current emotional state. Even saints feel down at times! Some people in the Word/Faith Movement teach that we are never to “make a negative confession,” but that is an open invitation to hypocrisy, and is ultimately destructive. We aren’t to dwell on negatives, and we must always remember that God is far greater than any negative, but we are also to be honest, with ourselves, with others, and above all with God, who knows it all anyway. Only then can we appreciate the magnificence of all the true things to be said about God, just as in this Psalm.

I am in an unaccustomed period of isolation, not only being in the hospital but with visitation forbidden because of COVID-19. However, I don’t feel lonely or alone, not simply because of the various electronic means of communication I have, but because of a great assurance of God’s presence with me. Last night I even had a dream that was clearly from God, which is a rare thing for me. Some people were trying to take over the church (though it wasn’t our current sanctuary) and I stood and would not let the service continue, but rather called everyone back to our original commission. That meant a lot of people left, but I had a clear sense of spiritual victory. Right now we are experiencing a number of changes and opportunities, and I’ve got to be very careful we aren’t driven off course, but rather continue as God has planned. That God would give me such a dream is a clear indication to me that I am not at all alone! There have indeed been times when I felt alone in this ministry, but God is showing me that those were all illusions. How can I be alone when I am in Christ?

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that yesterday’s surgery went well, and that I got a good night’s sleep. Thank You for the low level of pain, and for giving me wisdom to ask for a pain pill last night before trying to go to sleep. Today will be the first of several of simply waiting for healing to happen, and there is a lot of potential for boredom. Help me not waste any of the time, but rather spend each moment in fellowship with You, even as I interact with those around me, so that they may be drawn to You for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!