Sunday Psalm Overcoming Impatience
Sunday September 9, 2018
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. (Psalm 13:1-6 NIV)
Impatience with our progress in recovery may cause us to keep our minds focused on what we still have to do, rather than on the growth we have already experienced. Fears may arise as we begin to journal some of our step work. With sober minds, we remember the person we were, and the pain we caused others by our actions. This may bring feelings of sorrow and shame. A desire for immediate relief from our anxiety may cause us to dwell on our drug of choice and how it might numb the pain. If we wrestle with these thoughts without seeking help, we may find ourselves giving in to the enemy of our souls and relapsing.
Recognizing that we are under attack from evil forces seeking to draw us back into darkness is the first step in controlling our impatient thoughts. Asking for God’s help is the next. Talking with a mentor who understands will help us get back on the path of recovery.
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT)
Each time we have victory over our impatience we will begin to sing praises to God for His help and sustaining power.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, When I am in trouble and wrestle with feelings of anxiety, please strengthen me by the power of Your Spirit so I can avoid shipwreck. I am grateful that when I call on You for help, You have promised to answer me. Thank You for Your unfailing love and care for me. Amen
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