The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
Psalm 103:6 (ESV)
Oppression [from ob- against + premere to press] to crush or burden spiritually or mentally by the exercise of authority or power; to weigh heavily upon.
I am in a mood. I am not reacting to just one situation. I am reacting to a whole slew of things that are making me unhappy. I do find it comforting that as I write this post, I can finally identify what is really bothering me—and apparently to some degree—everyone else I know. We are feeling oppressed and it is weighing us down.
Oppression is our silent but ever present enemy—looking for opportunities to put a damper on our quality of life. Can you feel it hanging out there—eagerly watching and tirelessly waiting—ready to pounce—and ruin a perfectly good day?
My top 10 reasons for feeling weighed down:
Fulfilling a dream to spend a week with my entire family in Disneyland: dream on
Visiting my 90 year-old mother who is homebound on oxygen: dim to non-existent
Enjoying Grandparents Day at our grandchildren’s school: nada
Anticipating fun date nights out with popcorn and a movie: no bueno
Attending our granddaughter’s high school graduation: not gonna happen
Gathering or even regathering with our church family: too much to expect
Spending time with high risk loved ones in any way: negatory
Wondering about hugging my Christian friends: didn’t see that coming
Stimulating lunches and discussions with book club buddies: no way
Singing wholeheartedly with a face covering: stifling to say the least
Regardless of my circumstances, God is not losing consciousness or spinning out of control. I am confident He is sorting everything out and He will fulfill His promises of righteousness and justice! All that He has accomplished has already been entered into the historical record! All that He has planned for our future is lovingly determined and trustworthy. As I meditate on the depth and sweetness of these truths—liberty is restored to my life—freedom is ignited in my heart—and faith leaps up into my soul!
Questioning God’s ever-present providential care: never in a million years!