Collapse
I’ve never really thought of this word is a positive sense. One of my favorite accessories when camping is a small table that will collapse and fold flat. I normally see that as a folding table, not a “collapsible” table. When I think of this word normally, it is usually in a negative thought, like fatigue or exhaustion and I “collapse” into my chair. I realize that I’m often a bit expressive in describing my physical feeling. The older I get, the easier it is to feel that worn down.
King David is exhausted because of his pain and struggle from sin. He is very open and honest about how destructive it has been on him. He also had enemies who were lurking and ready to pounce upon him because of his sin. I think the only thing that kept him from collapse was his pursuit of God and the peace that only God can provide. Check this out….
17 I am on the verge of collapse,
facing constant pain.
18 But I confess my sins;
I am deeply sorry for what I have done.
19 I have many aggressive enemies;
they hate me without reason.
20 They repay me evil for good
and oppose me for pursuing good.
21 Do not abandon me, O Lord.
Do not stand at a distance, my God.
22 Come quickly to help me,
O Lord my savior. (Psalm 38:17-22 NLT)
There was confession and profound repentance in the heart of King David. He cried out to the Lord because his heart was in turmoil and beat down. He had no peace in his heart. His sin was wreaking havoc in his soul. This is the consequences of sin that is rarely mentioned in our culture. Our culture is so sexually charged, and we don’t always see the path of destruction that follows sin. I’m not sure if this was the season of David’s life when he was dealing with his sin with Bathsheba. That sin really made a mark on his life and through his repentance, he found his way back to the heart of God.
I’ve learned that there are people who don’t want to be associated with people who are pursuing good. The people that are self-centered and self-consumed want others to join their misery. My mom used to tell me that “misery loves company”. When I fail and act selfish, I’m usually convicted by the Presence of God in me. I must confess and repent to enjoy the peace that the Lord gives.
The Peace of God comes from the Presence of God.
The Presence of God comes from confession and repentance of sin.
The pursuit of God is the most important daily activity of my life.
I think that my heart should “collapse” at the feet of the Lord and let Him lift me up. I want to let Him restore my soul. I want to walk in obedience to Him and His call upon my life. He will provide the strength to navigate the tough landscape of obedience. He will abide with me through the struggles of this pursuit and the landmines of sin that are constantly threatening.
Pressing On!
Dwayne