The present condition of people's lives in our nation and world can be oriented around being stuck in a pit or being stuck in muck and mire. When I think of the many people who are looking for jobs, drowning in financial difficulties, facing medical issues, working on broken relationships, etc., I think of the pits of our lives where we live out the saying I heard used when someone was asked, "How are you doing?" and the person replied, "I am looking up to see bottom." When we experience the pit of despair, hopelessness, and anxiety, we seek all sorts of answers on how to get out of the pit. There comes a time in our lives when we realize our situation is beyond our ability to overcome and we need God's help to face the matter.

In Psalm 40:1-3 we read, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." The Psalmist is writing about a time in his life where he was stuck in a pit of despair and hopelessness. We do not know the fullness of his struggle, but we can resonate with the words.

The Psalmist states, "I waited patiently for the Lord." In our quick fix, "microwave" culture, we want resolution to all problems and frustrations in short order. The prevalence of people giving up on relationships, looking for jobs, and seeking financial accountability because they cannot find that quick fix, is seen in many places. For example, my heart breaks when I hear about people who are trying to win the lottery so that they can find financial peace. Or I have spoken with people who have broken relationships (whether marital or parent/child) and one or both parties have given up on the relationship because it "can't be fixed" quick enough. In the midst of our difficulties and struggles, we need to be prepared to wait patiently for the Lord. Our level of patience is a barometer of our trust in God, as we find ourselves willing to experience the opportunity for growth and reconciliation in the midst of our pit of despair.

Where are you in the pit today? How are you experiencing a life of "looking up to see bottom?" Are you waiting patiently for the Lord or are you trying to "make things happen" in your way and your time?

We will continue to look at these verses over the next few weeks because as you have already read, this patience does bring forth a great experience of our personal God.

Prayer: Lord, our ability to be patient in the midst of struggles is difficult. We continue to seek quick resolution and when it does not come, we heap upon ourselves more frustration. Give us the strength to be patient and trust in you no matter our present circumstances. Amen.