My Photo of one entrance to Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Acadia University

As I write this, each of us is facing unprecedented struggles and challenges in our world and in our local culture. During these new restrictions of life and in the face of a constantly changing virus and its variants, we are hurting. The one hope for all of us is God who is in control of all things and who can bring us through a world of hurt if we will fix our hearts and faith on Jesus -the only Way to God the Father. He is the truth and the life (John 14:6). Even though Psalm 35 focuses on people who may hurt us, it also reveals the way to experience God’s deliverance in the midst of our constantly changing circumstances as well. Hurt can be caused by circumstances and people but ultimately by Satan (Ephesians 6:12). Psalm 35 has 3 main sections: 1. Psalm 35:1-10 — People who scheme against David 2. Psalm 35:11-18 — People who torment David 3. Psalm 35:19-28 — Those who gloat over David’s troubles Based on David’s experience with hurt in his life, here are 4 responses to experience God’s joy and blessing through your hurt:

1. Admit your hurt and give it to God. “I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother” (Ps.35:14). David admits his hurt and struggles with God. David knew what each of us should learn. Only God knows all about you, your every need and your deepest needs. As David says in Psalm 139:13, 23a: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb…search me O God and know my heart”. (NIV)

2. Seek God for His presence and help. Psalm 35:1a and 2 says: “Fight against those who fight against me. My whole being will exclaim ‘Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor and needy from those too strong for me…from those who rob them’”. David appeals to God as his lawyer v.1, judge v.24, champion v.10, protector v.2, savior v.3, and victor v.26-27. Anyone – family, friend, or foe- can disappoint, ignore, or even betray you. However, God will never give up on you but bring you through the most difficult hurts and trials if you trust in Him to do so! Please remember that God works in His own way and in His timing. So be willing to wait on God. He knows what He is doing and what is best for you!

3. Praise God even while you hurt. “I will give thanks to you in the great assembly. My tongue will speak of your righteousness and your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:18a, 28). Keep your pathway to victory in mind—it is the path of a gratitude attitude toward the Lord even during the darkest times of your life. As Philippians 4:6 declares: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Do this by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will begin to experience His amazing peace (v.7).

4. Consider your hurt as immediately and ultimately useful for your spiritual growth and maturity (Psalm 35:27-28). James 1:3 says: “The testing of your faith develops perseverance…that you may be mature and complete…” (James1:3). God’s ultimate purpose for each if us is to make us more like Christ-like so that, in Jesus, we may live forever with Him for His glory and our eternal good (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 2:6-7).

• Next Steps:

• Prayerfully consider how you can help other hurting people

• Be there for them — Listen to them — Pray for them — Support them with a view to their ultimate healing and for the glory of God.

My Photo of one entrance to Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, Acadia University

As I write this, each of us is facing unprecedented struggles and challenges in our world and in our local culture. During these new restrictions of life and in the face of a constantly changing virus and its variants, we are hurting. The one hope for all of us is God who is in control of all things and who can bring us through a world of hurt if we will fix our hearts and faith on Jesus -the only Way to God the Father. He is the truth and the life (John 14:6). Even though Psalm 35 focuses on people who may hurt us, it also reveals the way to experience God’s deliverance in the midst of our constantly changing circumstances as well. Hurt can be caused by circumstances and people but ultimately by Satan (Ephesians 6:12). Psalm 35 has 3 main sections: 1. Psalm 35:1-10 — People who scheme against David 2. Psalm 35:11-18 — People who torment David 3. Psalm 35:19-28 — Those who gloat over David’s troubles Based on David’s experience with hurt in his life, here are 4 responses to experience God’s joy and blessing through your hurt:

1. Admit your hurt and give it to God. “I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother” (Ps.35:14). David admits his hurt and struggles with God. David knew what each of us should learn. Only God knows all about you, your every need and your deepest needs. As David says in Psalm 139:13, 23a: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb…search me O God and know my heart”. (NIV)

2. Seek God for His presence and help. Psalm 35:1a and 2 says: “Fight against those who fight against me. My whole being will exclaim ‘Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor and needy from those too strong for me…from those who rob them’”. David appeals to God as his lawyer v.1, judge v.24, champion v.10, protector v.2, savior v.3, and victor v.26-27. Anyone – family, friend, or foe- can disappoint, ignore, or even betray you. However, God will never give up on you but bring you through the most difficult hurts and trials if you trust in Him to do so! Please remember that God works in His own way and in His timing. So be willing to wait on God. He knows what He is doing and what is best for you!

3. Praise God even while you hurt. “I will give thanks to you in the great assembly. My tongue will speak of your righteousness and your praises all day long” (Psalm 35:18a, 28). Keep your pathway to victory in mind—it is the path of a gratitude attitude toward the Lord even during the darkest times of your life. As Philippians 4:6 declares: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Do this by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will begin to experience His amazing peace (v.7).

4. Consider your hurt as immediately and ultimately useful for your spiritual growth and maturity (Psalm 35:27-28). James 1:3 says: “The testing of your faith develops perseverance…that you may be mature and complete…” (James1:3). God’s ultimate purpose for each if us is to make us more like Christ-like so that, in Jesus, we may live forever with Him for His glory and our eternal good (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 2:6-7).

• Next Steps:

• Prayerfully consider how you can help other hurting people

• Be there for them — Listen to them — Pray for them — Support them with a view to their ultimate healing and for the glory of God.