Woodhaven Baptist Church

20 January 2003

Dear Friend,

Psalm 42 & 43 are written from a heart of despair. The psalmist trusts in the Lord but does not see the results. You can read the whole passage out of your Bible but here are a couple of key verses:

42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, "Where is your God?"
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.

Some of you might remember the story of Andrew's swimming lessons. He was terrified of water, so we thought for his safety and confidence swimming lessons would be a good thing. When we got to the YMCA, Andrew didn't want to leave our side. We met his instructor and Andrew asked us with tears in his eyes, "What is he going to do to me?" The instructor was a Christian and knew about my vocation. He showed Andrew how to move his arms and shouted, "Praise the Lord!" Andrew followed suit, although his shouting came with tears rolling down his fear-filled face. He survived swimming lessons, and over the summer they saved his life when he was pushed into the deep end of a pool at camp.

Sometimes we are going through trials like Andrew did with the swimming lessons. We ask of God, "What are You going to do to me?" And even though our heart may not be in it, we have to move forward and shout "Praise the Lord," with tears running down our cheeks. These difficult times will strengthen us for the crisis ahead. You have heard it said that the rough times make you bitter or better. My favorite saying is that it takes a lot of manure to produce a rose.

With love,

Pastor Scott Patz

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Last updated: 16 June 2005