The Fine Line Of Struggle

Yesterday I was trying to express that I'd rather be in a storm with knowing the power of God, the love of Jesus and the whisper of the Holy Spirit, than have smooth sailing, knowing only that - smooth sailing!

David says it so much better in Psalm 60:3&4

You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.

In Psalm 59 David is asking God to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. But then he asks this in verse 11: Do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget.

That's it! We forget who God is and what He said He can do when when the road is wide open and clear.

I DON'T WANT TO FORGET.

Notice that when David asks God not to flat out kill their enemies, he's got a little clause in there...O Lord our shield.

That's my clause too. God, don't completely obliterate the hard nasty stuff, but don't let it overtake me either. Give me just enough desperate times to make me remember your love, power, and your voice.

That's the fine print at the bottom of my prayer, just before I say 'amen.'

I can feel David's struggle here cuz of course he wants to be delivered - oh the stress relief!
...But God, if it's all so good again, we'll forget! We'll forget all about You! So Lord, could give us just enough trouble to keep us at Your mercy? But if You're gonna allow trouble, You have to provide shelter from that. So just sign here on the dotted line Lord. Whew! I think this will work. I'm OK with whatever gets flung my way so that I stick with You like white on rice, as long as you are going to get my scrawny butt out of there in one piece. Capeche?

That's what I mean.

You know that old saying "be careful what you wish for"....
Maybe I should add that to the fine print part of my prayer too! LOL