Turn-Complain-Ask-Trust

I received some helpful counsel the other day. Each of us has struggles. We all have times when we feel shaken and then are weak.

Recent events may cause us to feel this more than usual.

This wise friend told me about a practice of prayer that I have found helpful in the days since. It is in four steps. I’m including Scripture to show the way.

Stop and turn to God.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Complain to God.

“Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they talk of laying snares secretly, thinking, “Who can see them?” They search out injustice, saying, “We have accomplished a diligent search.” For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.” (Psalm‬ ‭64:1-6‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Ask God.

“Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!” May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” (Psalm‬ ‭70:1-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Trust God.

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.” (Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

This last one can be hard. I suggest trust building scriptures like the list here in a post from a while back.

Above all, turn to Christ.

1 Comment

Filed under seeking understanding

One response to “Turn-Complain-Ask-Trust

  1. I recognize this from a book Erin and I recently read. “Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy” by Mark Vroegop. Still learning to implement this practice. It is useful though. Glad you learned about it and can share this with others.

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