Where do you find relief from anxious thoughts? The Psalmist was facing oppression from others and the pressure that he was facing was mounting. As he was seeking to follow God while facing grief and sorrow, he pondered why the wicked were allowed to triumph:

How long, Lord, shall the wicked — how long shall the wicked triumph? They pour out words, they speak arrogantly; all who do injustice boast. They crush Your people, Lord, and afflict Your inheritance. (Psalm 94:3-5)

We can identify with the frustration experienced by the Psalmist – why are evil people prospering when those who are seeking to follow God are being oppressed? The presence of trouble in our lives does not mean the absence of God. We must remember that in every desert of grief, God has provided an oasis of grace. Our initial response may be to seek vengeance against our oppressor. The Apostle Paul reminds us of God’s words to Moses,

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

Rather than seeking vengeance against his enemies or spiraling down into self pity, the Psalmist chose to reflect upon God’s perspective and His promises:

Blessed is the man whom You discipline, Lord, and whom You teach from Your Law, so that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He abandon His inheritance. (Psalm 94:12-14)

Where do you turn when you are facing difficulty? Even though the Psalmist was facing some significant challenges, he found comfort in God and His promises. We live in a fallen world and we will experience disquieting thoughts and tumultuous sorrows. How do you find relief from your anxious thoughts? The Psalmist revealed his prescription:

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comfort delights my soul. (Psalm 94:19)

The Psalmist found his comfort in God and so can we. The Lord may calm the storm around you, but more often he’ll calm the storm within you.

The more we focus upon our problems, the larger and more formidable they can seem. The opposite is also true – the more we focus upon God and His promises, the smaller our problems seem to be. Where is your focus? When we gain God’s perspective, we gain the confidence to trust in Him. Thomas Moore wisely observed that “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” God is able to alleviate our anxious thoughts and provide comfort to our soul.

Don’t allow your anxious thoughts to multiply. When you’re facing opposition, don’t despair – the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. May the Lord be your rock of refuge as you find delight for your soul in God and His word.