By: Charis

Read: Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.
(Psalm 26:2)

Relate: A way I could relate to this verse is around the time it was in the middle of the COVID lockdown, by then I had become a very lonely 7th grader. At first, I was alright with the idea of staying inside all day, however the extended and prolonged lockdown gave me uncertainty about the future and I wanted to go back to school. I wanted to see my friends and go to school campus classes, but it wasn’t possible, so I became anxious and lonely, like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Everyday my head was filled with thoughts of what ifs and what abouts, and worrying over things in the future that I shouldn’t be worrying about at my age. I was at my lowest in my life during this time, and I found it difficult to think of anything positively without thinking about the consequences. 

However, it was also during this time when my parents started doing online church, and my mom kept talking about how we should call out to God when we’re in trouble, expecting Him to vindicate us and help us bring through our trials. To trust in Him and his promises, to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in everything we have, and know that throughout all our difficulties, our faith will be increased and strengthened. It was from then on, I decided to remind myself of these words and to no longer focus on the bad thoughts.

React: In the scripture, David is going through a rough time because he was accused of being with sinners and doing wicked acts, and despite all of that, he clung to his integrity and cried out for the Lord to judge and defend his case. He trusted the Lord to help with whatever he was going through, so I did the same by believing in what my parents taught the church. As Pastors, their words matter to the congregation of which I am a part. I let God check my heart and correct me as I was already entertaining negative thoughts about the future due to the extended lockdown. Thankfully, the Lord changed my heart through my parents’ teachings.

Respond:

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being part of my life during my lowest points. Thank you for changing my heart and for always being willing to help me during my difficulties. I want to be used by you to help those who are also going through difficult times. Help me stay in your word and not go astray so that my mind doesn’t go back to those terrible thoughts of anything that troubles me. I especially pray for others to not go through what I went through. This I ask for in Jesus’ name,
Amen