12 June 2007 Devotion for Today "At Wits End" Psalm 107:27-31
Have you ever been in this place the Psalmist calls 'Wits End?" (Psalm 107:27) The psalmist describes sailors who are in a ship in extremely heavy seas. They have done all that they know to do, and still the ship threatens to founder. For the land-lubber, Wits End is an exasperating place of frustration and fatigue; where nothing goes right and everything seems to be falling apart, unraveling at the seems, or heading in that direction. Wits End is a week where the transmission in your car breaks down, the wash machine's water pump goes out, and the septic tank backs up while you are battling the mother of all stomach viruses! On top of that, the bank calls to let you know that you have overdrawn your checking account. But don't fear, Wits End can get a lot worse, and it will if you allow your level of frustration to spill over onto the ones who are going through Wits End with you.
I have visited Wits End more times than I would like to tell, and each time I find a whole new facet or feature that I have never seen before. Its like having the Midas' touch, only in reverse!
The Psalmist understood Wits End more than any of us, and what is more is that he recognizes the presence of Someone in Wits End who goes through this place with us. We have difficulty seeing Him in this place because the fog of our frustration obscures us from view. But no matter how lost we may feel at Wits End, the Psalmist tells us where to find Him: "Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet: so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men" Psalm 107: 28-31
One thing I have discovered about Wits End and that is it is unavoidable- all roads seem to lead to it, are in it presently, or lead away from it. Just make certain that the Lord is with you now before you get there.
Have a blessed day.
Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@embarqmail.com
jcrussell@liberty.edu
Church website: http://25621.lifewaylink.com
Devotion Archives: http://www.msnusers.com/DevotionforToday
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