Somedays, we need a new song and a fresh start.
I once knew a man who had struggled with the same thing for years. He was exhausted.
During this time of exhaustion, Satan pressed hard on him. He believed the only way to remove the burden was to give in and give up.
I tried to convince the man to give God a little more time to work, but the man did not.
He jumped headfirst into various activities and relationships that may eventually destroy him.
I don’t say that in judgment but in understanding.
When we struggle with the “same old thing,” year after year, we believe that’s where we’ll always be. And that’s what we come to expect.
The man in my story was not so different than me.
Or any of us.
That’s when we know we desperately need God to step in. We need him to change what we cannot supernaturally. And we need him to give us a new song.
During times like this, we need to state the obvious.
This is perhaps one of my favorite things about God. He loves honesty! I’m a single mom with four kids; there is no way I can do this thing well unless he steps in!
We state the obvious. Not in a hopeless, the world’s going to end way, but in a direct and honest statement.
Here are a few of my direct statements:
-God, I cannot keep going at this pace.
-There is no way I can do this long term.
-I am failing.
-This is ridiculous! (It’s not, but I’m melodramatic.)
Stating the obvious gives us a place to start.
It’s not because he needs to know. It’s because we need to say it.
Taking the monster out of the closet and looking at it is good for us. It’s an acknowledgment that someone will have to deal with this.
I like this step. I spend a lot of time with my head buried in the sand. It doesn’t keep the ostrich from being eaten by the lion and doesn’t help me too much.
I may not want to see the lion with the big teeth, but I must at least be brave enough to admit it’s there.
We must admit there is a problem we cannot solve.
Even as I write this, I hate to admit it. I want to think I can make it if I work hard enough.
And maybe that’s why I’m up against this problem. God might just be waiting for me to admit that I need him to act in a huge way.
He wants us to ask audaciously. Daringly. Bravely.
Come boldly into the throne room.
It’s incredible how often I don’t start here.
I recently talked with someone regarding something I was working on.
She gave me a look and said, “Have you asked God to do that?”
Nope. I hadn’t gotten around to that. I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to bother him.
That, my friend, is insanity! Of course, he wants me to ask him!
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NKJ
The lion is coming to take a bite out of my large, feathered, fluffy keester, but I have decided not to bother God and ask him to deal with the lion supernaturally.
Hmm… What logic!
It may be because we have been taught not to expect much. And certainly not to ask much.
But that is a human’s way of thinking, not God’s.
I have seen incredible answers to prayer. And in ways I never thought were possible.
In my line of thinking, perhaps I have met my quota. And now it’s time for me to suck it up and get it together. But that’s wrong.
Sure, God expects me to work hard and submit to him. But he knows that there are some things that only he can do!
And it’s time we ask! And ask his forgiveness for not starting there.
Ask him audaciously!
We ask for a new song.
It is a song of hope and provision. Songs of healing and joy!
Out with the old and in with the new.
There needs to be a change. That much is clear. Let’s ask!
Our God is in charge of miracles. And we need them!
He’s not asking us to beg or walk in and say, “I’m so sorry I have to ask again, but I need something else.” That’s not it at all. He wants us to come boldly before him.
And let’s face it! A new song would put the wind back in our sails! It would give us the strength to climb the next mountain.
And it would teach these kids that God gives new futures!
He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.Psalms 40:3 ESV
The song I’ve been singing hasn’t been victorious. It’s been one of survival, but not victory. But that’s not where I want to stay.
That is not the song I want to sing any longer.
I’m walking boldly into the throne of grace this afternoon!
I’m asking his forgiveness for not asking him first. And I’m asking him audaciously to do something marvelous with my circumstances! I want this new song!
A Psalm.
O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.Psalm 98:1 ESV
I’ve recently fallen in love with The Chosen. You can find the link to it here:
https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/books-for-single-moms/
This may be a drama by simple people, but I cannot help but think they have captured the heart of Christ when it comes to people. To us.
In the series, people come to Jesus for miracles. For things they cannot do themselves. They have reached the end of themselves and have nowhere else to turn.
They all needed a new song. A new future. And that is precisely what Jesus gave them!
And that is what he’s waiting to do for us.
Come with me. Boldly into the throne of grace. Only he can give it to a new song!
I can’t wait to hear our new song!
