Perspective

This is actually an excerpt from The Homeschool Minute that was very encouraging to me:

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah...O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows."
Psalm 61

There are several things in this passage that are very applicable to us today, and which always lead me out of those overwhelming feelings:

• Prayer is vital--how is my intimate relationship with my God doing? How much conversation goes on daily? I need to do more than pray; I need to cry out. More.
• I need to be led to a higher place--that high rock where I have a better perspective of my surroundings. I can't get there myself. God understands our need for help.
• As I am looking from that higher, eternal, perspective, I can look ahead knowing that the Ruler of the universe, rules me. I can look back knowing that the God of history who preserved others will preserve me. I can look back at God's sheltering of me; His strong protection from the enemy. Why should I not trust Him?
• I look to His dwelling place, wanting to live there with Him and trust in His covering. Trust comes from knowing someone very well. Do I know Him that well?
• He says He hears us--and He doesn't lie.
• He has given us a heritage of those that will fear Him; I see my children there.
• It's His mercy along with the truth of His Word that will preserve us. How is our time in the Word? Is it enough to sustain us? Are we not seeing what is really truth because we are not spending time in the Truth?
• I will sing praise unto His name (yes, even when overwhelmed). This helps greatly with perspective when we see just how big and holy God is; and worthy of praise--no matter our circumstances, because they don't change the fact of Who God Is. Begin to praise Him, and He will begin to change your view and your heart.
• A heart that has been lifted from an overwhelming place to a place of praise is a heart and life that can daily do what God has called us to do--for that day. Overwhelmed again tomorrow? Cry out again and begin to sing His praises.