Real-Time Faith

March 5, 2019

DAILY READING

Psalm 35:11-28
This weekend’s reading: Mark 15:21-24

FIELD NOTES
Our Psalm passage begins with: Malicious witness rise up; they ask me about things I do not know.  They repay me evil for god; my soul is forlorn.  And it ends with: Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness, and of your praise all day long.
 
How does the Psalmist move from the pain/fear/worry of verses 11-12 to get to the joy/praise/glory of verse 28?  They ask a question: ¹⁷ How long, O LORD, will you look on?
 
Earlier in my walk with God, I wouldn’t have been so bold as to ask God questions such as this one.  I told myself, “who am I to talk to God in such a way” or “I guess God is working in mysterious ways”.  But hidden behind my reasoning was not respect for God but fear of God. 
 
The good news for us is this: God can handle my questions.  And scripture gives me a model of the power of transformation when I cry out to God, even if it’s out of anger or disappointment or confusion.  Any conversation, as long as it’s coming from a place of honesty (even expressing “negative” thoughts and emotions), is a talk God is willing to have.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• What’s the last truly honest thought/feeling you expressed in prayer?
• When’s the last time your prayer life included a question?
• Take a look at verses 22-24. What tone do you hear behind those verses?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What are some healthy things we can do when we feel angry or disappointed?
• Parents, how do you model for your kids your desire to know how they feel? Even if those feelings are negative and directed at you?