I Must Tell Jesus

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, KJV)

 If you have ever cried out to God about what is going on in your life, in the world, and the struggles you are having, you can identify with David in Psalm 109. He lets out all the stops in his complaints as he lays it out before God.

He tells God about the people who have lied about him and hated him, those who have returned evil for good. He talks about the people who have misused the poor and persecuted the needy, those who have used cursing as a garment. He asks God to judge them, and he asks God to judge them in the same way they have treated others.

Right in middle of all his complaints and petitions, though, is a phrase that stopped me. Six simple words found in verse four; they read, “but I give myself unto prayer”.

David made a choice in his situation – a choice to take his troubles to God rather than to the world. He was dealing with treacherous people, but he chose to pray for them rather than attack them.

I thought about that. A lot.

Battles rage in my heart and life. This world is not a friendly place, and there are days that I want to lash out, to return evil for evil. I want God to make the bad go away. I want to stand up and tell people to back off. Some days I am fretful and confused, and I think about who I can talk with about my problems.

So, I ask myself now –

Do I give myself to prayer?

 ·       When the evil rule?

·       When my way is hard?

·       When I feel I am mistreated?

·       When my spirit is wounded?

·       When love is rewarded with hatred?

·       When the enemy strikes again and again?

·       When my family is struggling?

·       When this world shows no mercy?

·       When my faith struggles to see the light?

·       When I am weak?

Or do I announce my agonies on my favorite social media? Or commiserate with my buddies? What do I do?

There is an old gospel song called “I Must Tell Jesus”. It is a good one to remember when hard times come. I think David would have liked it.

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

O how the world to evil allures me!

O how my heart is tempted to sin!

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the vict'ry to win.

Chorus

I must tell Jesus!

I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus!

I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me,

Jesus alone.

-Elisha Hoffman, public domain

I want to be like David and give myself to prayer in this troubled world.

Jesus can help me. Jesus alone.

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Dear Father, this world is a mess and many days so am I, but You are near and listening. Forgive me for so often trying to run ahead of you. Forgive me for seeking help from others before I seek Your comfort and strength. You will show me where to turn. I know that. You have done it before. You will do it again. Help me to arm myself everyday with Your power by giving myself to prayer. Thank You for hearing me. Thank You for being my Father. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray.

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Think About It

-            Where do you turn on your hard days?

-            What is your first line of defense?

-            What do you need to tell Jesus about today?