“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
-Psalm 40: 1 – 3
Life is a series of chapters and seasons. Some chapters are short ~ the seasons carefree ~ a cloudless blue sky. Other chapters seem long ~ the seasons a never-ending cycle of storm clouds and unremitting rain. It is what happens between the chapters as each season begins and ends that can make all the difference.
When we are deep in a pit, whether it’s the pit of despair, loneliness, illness, financial problems, grief or loss, we are often so covered in the mud and mire that we can become stuck. Before the next chapter can produce real fruit in our lives, we must begin the process of climbing out of the pit ~ scraping off the mud and shaking loose from the mire. Our climb up and out begins with a hand from a friend, the support of a small group, the wisdom from a good book or the faint whisper of a song. Sometimes the trek becomes more difficult and a counselor walks alongside us.
For me ~ the love of my husband, the encouragement from family, and the support of my small group ~ helped me begin the climb up. Yet I remained unable to climb all the way out on to solid ground. It was only when I felt the hand of Jesus reaching for me, steadying my gait that I was able to find a firm place to stand ~ free of the mud and the mire.
If you find yourself down in a pit, reach up and take hold of the help that can come from friends, family, a counselor, and most importantly from your Creator. The next chapter is waiting and can be a season of growth and real fruit that comes only after the rain. Solid ground is just a few steps away.