February 23, 2013 "Lift Me Up, Lord"

“Lift Me Up, O God” Ps 69:29 But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me! & Ps 66:5 Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men. & Ps 68:6 He gives the lonely a home to live in and leads prisoners out into happy freedom & Ps 68:35 How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God! SO MANY people I meet feel the anguish of Ps 69:29. “But I am in pain and despair; lift me up, O God, and save me!” A phone call brings a plea. “Help me. Get me out of this mess.” They desperately want a God who cares, but they can’t find him. What do I say? What can you say to those you meet so deep in despair? First, let’s offer the invitation of Ps 66:5. “Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men.” I tell them of God’s love. His Son dieing. His Spirit bringing life. I then tell how he’s made a difference in my life—all the difference in my marriage, my parenting, my friendships, my attitude, my health, my finances, my ministry—yes, my life. And then I offer the same God to them and assure them the reality of Ps 68:6. That he does indeed “give the lonely a home to live in and leads prisoners out into happy freedom.” Yes, to the imprisoned heart, the Gospel of God is freedom. Take this freedom to be your own. And celebrate Ps 68:35. “How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary…He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God!” It’s True! How powerful your life story can be for someone.