Honest Words

I have been drawn to the Psalms lately.  I am encouraged by the honest words of its writers.  I think I forget how real the people in the Bible were.  I forget that their lives were difficult, and frankly, probably a lot more difficult than mine, just based on the culture in which they were living.  The Bible tells us who God is and how He is in relationship with us.  The words of the psalmist in 142 (David) are honest and valid.  Crying aloud to God for mercy and help from those who are against him.  I have no idea what that must have felt like for David, but I do know what it feels like in my own life.  Sometimes I'm my worst enemy and need the reminder to extend grace to myself as I work through the journey.  God is faithful.  He is our refuge.  He is our ever-present help, even when we aren't able to recognize Him.  I needed that reminder today.  It is God's mercy that allows me to walk this journey and it is His grace that transforms my heart.  He can handle my honest words and use them to build a beautiful relationship between Him and me.