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Beats – Cadence

David is running for his life. Saul is in pursuit and David hides in the cave of Adullam. David is not living the dream that God has placed in his heart. It’s not that he thought the path would be easy to the throne, but after all, God did choose Him and anoint him, and his present circumstance is definitely in conflict with his calling. David’s friends abandoned him; he is now hiding, far from home, and has never felt so low and so lonely. Overwhelmed by his circumstance and uncertain about what he should do, David comes before God and airs his complaints, pours out his heartfelt despair. David was not afraid to tell God exactly what he was feeling. He knew God could be trusted with his heart and with his life, even though his situation was dire.

Scriptures – Ps 34:1, 142:1-5; 1 Sa 22:1-5

Verses
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Ps 34:1) I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint. (Ps 142:1-2)

Thought
Scripture indicates that we should come before God with thanksgiving and praise, that we should bless the Lord at all times; yet, there are times when we have to unload some of the burdens we are carrying before our mind and heart can come to the point of honest praise and thanksgiving. God is available. He wants us to trust him enough to share our deepest hurts, needs and desires. The funny thing is that He already knows, but we are sometimes reluctant to pour it out. With God we are safe to share. He listens and loves regardless of what we say. When we are totally honest with another person, there is some fear; there is risk involved. What if they take it the wrong way, what if they are hurt, what if they think I’m a horrible person? God is always willing to listen with open arms and a loving heart. He wants us to be open and honest with Him. He is always a safe place, a refuge. If David was able to take his complaints to God, we know that we can too.

Questions
Did you ever hear your parent say, “Stop whining or I’ll give you something to whine about”? Have you ever said that to your child? Do people sometimes worry that God will have the same reaction if they whine to Him? Have you ever been afraid to tell God how you felt? If so, why? Why do people avoid being honest with others? When has total openness and honesty with another person proved beneficial? When Has total openness and honesty with another person caused pain? Is anyone ever truly 100% open and honest with another? Why do people avoid being honest with God?

Response
Pour out your heart to God. Dump it all out. He already knows, but he wants you to trust Him enough to tell Him. If you can’t find a praise or thanksgiving in the midst of your mess, you can be thankful that God is there and willing to listen to you! Thank Him for that.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being a constant and true friend. You never turn your back or change your love for me even when I’m complaining and whining about my worries and struggles. It is a comfort and a shelter to know that I can always turn to you in every situation and you will listen and love me no matter what I say or feel. Thank you for your continuing presence in my life. Guide my steps and help me to be ever-grateful for all the blessings you have given to me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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