The fact is, I know of nothing good living in me – living, that is, in my unspiritual self – for though the will to do what is good is in me, the performance is not, with the result that instead of doing the good things I want to do, I carry out the sinful things I do not want. Romans 7:18-19 JB

In the movie The Hobbit, there is a place where Frodo says to his dwarf companions as they near the Old Forest, “This forest is sick.” I was reminded of that last night watching the news. When did the most routine actions warrant being killed in gunfire – ringing the wrong doorbell to pick up your younger siblings; opening the door to the wrong car after cheerleading practice; turning into a driveway to turn around when you go the wrong way. We have all done those things.

In 1 Samuel 19 we see Saul’s descent into sickness when Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. v. 1. Kill David. Jonathan, Saul’s son, is David’s closest friend. Can you imagine the impact his fathers words had on Jonathan? Jonathan warns David and saves David’s life. David ends up fleeing to Samuel in Naioth. Saul sends men there to kill David but those men, two separate groups, end up prophesying with a group of prophets. Saul himself goes to find David, and he prophesies also. He stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” v. 24. He was unable to harm David. I don’t think he was a prophet.

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Psalm 73:21-22.

Last night I had a rough night. Listening to the news my heart was deeply troubled. I was angry. Where did that anger leave me? Not in a good place. I brought that to God first thing this morning because I sorely needed His help. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:28. His answer to me? Be still in Me. Let My peace settle deep within and give you rest. My rest is sanctuary and help when you are overcome. Let go of fear. Times are in My hands. Trust Me as I do My good work. Hold fast to Me.

One of my favorite Scripture verses…I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2.

This world that is sick does not make sense to me. My anger that is hurtful in me does not make sense to me. So I go where my help is sure; to my Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth who sees the sickness and is working. His rest is my sanctuary and hope. This world is changing so fast for the worse and is so hard to comprehend. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

How do we choose life? We turn to the One who created all life and trust ourselves to Him. He is our help when we are weary and burdened and confused, and He gives us His rest. This world that is sick is not all there is. Come to Him. He’s here. He will give us the love and strength we need to keep our eyes on Him when we are lost and we will be with Him always. In His presence you will find peace and you will know love that heals every hurt, every anger, every sorrow. Give your cares and your burdens to Him. The Lord is your Shepherd and He refreshes your soul in Him. Thank You, Lord.