Nothing Makes Sense!

 Do you ever have those times when it feels like absolutely nothing makes sense? We plan for job advancement and homeownership. We planned our careers, families, and retirement. But one day we look up to realize nothing is what we planned. Even though, mentally, we planned on caring for our parents, or we have raised a child with special needs, the picture isn't what we planned.

But here we are. Putting one foot in front of the other. One day at a time.

When nothing makes sense, we just keep trusting. I think that's what Asaph was talking about in Psalm 77. I return to this psalm a lot! I also hang out in Psalm 13 and, of course, Psalm 31!

These are soul-searching, heart-wrenching psalms. In Psalm 77, Asaph asks hard questions as he reflects on his life. He asks if God has rejected him forever. And then asks, Will He never show me favor again? (v. 7) In verse 8, Asaph continues his questions with, Is His unfailing love gone? Have His promises permanently failed?  And in verse 9, Asaph asks, Has God forgotten to be kind? Has He slammed the door on compassion? (NLT) 

Asaph feels like God moved far away and that He is no longer aware of his circumstances. While we know this is not true, we can feel that way sometimes, too. I know I can! Each day there are things that remind us (maybe even nag at us) trying to make us feel less than. Unseen. Forgotten. 

We can say, and we can hear a thousand times, that we are not - but that nagging sense keeps trying to drag us into the caregiver's downcycle. Some days, we lack the strength to fight. 

But then....

Like Asaph, we stop. Gather our thoughts. Then, remind ourselves that God has not changed. Asaph goes on to describe the wonders and works of the Lord. He basically says, I may not see You doing something in my now, but I can remind myself of all You have done before! And this whole psalm, and Asaph's story, turns around.

If your today doesn't make sense, take a moment to remind yourself of the times you know God carried you through. Think of your own personal journey and those times you felt you were facing a Red Sea and being pursued from behind, and God stepped in.

When nothing makes sense, remind yourself of who God is; of who you know Him to be. Think about the times you know He rescued your soul. Then wait for Him to do it again.

Today, I acknowledge that nothing about where I am makes a lick of sense. LOL. I'm burned out, overcome, tired, and bothered. But I will turn my thoughts and emotions to God who remains the same. I'll turn my meditations and my heart to the One who doesn't change. I will quiet my soul and declare that He is still the present help  I need to make it one more day. As frustrating as it can be, I will wait on Him. I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?