Vital signs- Thursday, October 20th, 2022

Lamenting Rejection

David knew what it was like to experience rejection as a result of his hardship. Perhaps one of the most significant losses we can ever experience is the loss of relationships with people we trust and love. 

David spent years as a fugitive, running from King Saul, who was determined to take his life without cause. Leaving behind family, David lived like a nomad running from place to place, sleeping in caves and fighting at every turn. In this Psalm, David describes the affliction and anguish of his soul due to the rejection he experienced. In verses 11-12, David explains that his neighbors hated him, his closest friends avoided him, and he was forgotten and left for dead. The people he expected to support him in some of his darkest moments wanted nothing to do with him. 

As a result of this, David compares himself to a piece of broken pottery. What a fitting image of the damaging effects of rejection. When an unskilled person tries to repair broken pottery, the restored piece will usually show the damage and break lines. On the other hand, a skilled potter can gently and painstakingly restore a piece to look new. Isaiah 64: 8 describes God as our potter, and us his children, as the clay.  

Despite the deep pain and anguish he experienced, David found hope by turning his attention back to the Lord. In verse 14, David declares, "But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God." As David turned his attention back to God, his countenance changed. No longer are his words full of only anguish and pain, but his heart fills with praise, hope, and gratitude to God. 

God wants to take the broken pieces of your past and bring healing, wholeness, and restoration to you. Why not practice letting go of your past through practicing lament and praise. 

Step One- Lament- Tell God about your painful experience. Let him know how it hurt you and how you still feel about it today. Ask God to help you to forgive those who have hurt you. 

Step Two-  When you are ready, choose to leave that painful memory with God to heal. Vocalize in prayer your choice to forgive those who hurt you.

Step Three-  Once you have released the pain of that moment to God, begin to focus on his goodness. With your own words, begin to speak out praise to God. 

Step Four-  Receive God's peace, joy, love, acceptance as you continue to praise him. 

Read Psalms:31