Psalm 25:17: “The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.”
A woman confided that she struggles with grief since the loss of her husband. Another one asked me how to manage as a single parent without a spouse after a divorce.
As I listened to both women, I heard the same plea. “The troubles of [their] heart have multiplied.” Both of them wanted God “to free [them] from [their] anguish.”
Why do so many troubles or heartaches exist in the world? We live in an imperfect world with imperfect bodies and emotions that can get us in trouble unless we submit them to God. Furthermore, the devil comes “only to steal and to kill and to destroy” (John 10:10).
How can God “free [us] from [our] anguish? As I sit in silence and read the Word of God, the Holy Spirit teaches and consoles me. He shows me I can’t change the past.
As I listen to praise & worship music, God assures me of his love. He also gives me the wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding I need for the day and my troubles.
When I ask God for advice, he uses people to “free me from my anguish.” Through the pastor’s sermons and through books, conferences, CDs, mentors, and friends, God speaks to me.
I’ve learned I can stay stuck in my anguish, or I can choose to move forward. What about you?
Dear God, free me from my anguish. Amen.
Application: What will you do this week to move from broken to beautiful?
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega August 25, 2014
