2023
“For when I was desperate, overwhelmed, and about to give up, you were the only one there to help. You gave me a way of escape from the hidden traps of my enemies.”
Psalms 142:3 TPT
Growing up, my mama’s favorite saying, “when life deals lemons, make lemonade”, would often become an ear worm, wanted or unwanted advice throughout many periods of my life. Sometimes I would take the lemons and make the best lemonade ever! Other times I would chuck the lemons and stomp my frustrations. Occasionally, I would allow the lemons to pile up, shrink, maybe rot before realizing I’m drowning in compost.
“I am ready to give up. But you, Lord, know the path I am on, and you know that my enemies have set a trap for me.”
Psalms 142:3 ERV
It is easy to find oneself focused on issues, situations to fix, to do better, be better. To get caught up in what looks perfect, seems perfect, a lifelike mirage that can trap, leading a way to seek, devour, and destroy. Much like a modern day story of Hansel and Gretel.
“When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.”
Psalms 142:3 NLT
Shiny things can ensnare, trap even the most careful of believers, warriors.
“Although my spirit is weak within me, you know my way. Along this path I travel they have hidden a trap for me.”
Psalms 142:3 CSB
However, shiny things do not last forever. There is a light that shines in the darkness. A cleanup crew for the compost. No matter how long we’ve chased a perfect life, following a mirage of the life that appeals to the masses, and so many other connective descriptives…there is hope.
““As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how I’m feeling, Know the danger I’m in, the traps hidden in my path. Look right, look left— there’s not a soul who cares what happens! I’m up against the wall, with no exit— it’s just me, all alone. I cry out, God, call out: ‘You’re my last chance, my only hope for life!’ Oh listen, please listen; I’ve never been this low. Rescue me from those who are hunting me down; I’m no match for them. Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you’ll bring me showers of blessing!””
Psalms 142:3-7 MSG
No matter how far gone we believe we are, we are never too far gone.
Friends- “‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’”
Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
Amen
