I did not come to this this place with superior eloquence or wisdom, but in weakness and in fear and with much trembling.
I became a little child among them.
Try as I might, I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.
God, I seek your face but I see in a mirror indirectly.
I started with such lofty goals, but my endurance has expired; I have lost all hope of deliverance from the Lord.
I am absolutely terrified, and you, Lord—how long will this continue?
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
My physical body is wearing away.
I am a clay jar.
I have good intentions, but I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate.
I cannot hide from my guilt, I am aware of my rebellious acts; I am forever conscious of my sin.
Why do I continue kicking against the goads?
My eyes are worn out from weeping; my stomach is in knots. My heart is poured out on the ground.
I’ve been burdened excessively, beyond my strength, so that I’ve despaired even of living.
Sometimes I’m so angry at those against you I want to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them.
What has come of my work? Futile! Futile! Absolutely futile! Everything is futile!
How long, Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen! Why, Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble? How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me?
How long will you pay no attention to me? How long must I worry, and suffer . . . ?
The workers are few.
I feel so alone. I have had enough! . . . I alone am left.
And yet . . . and yet . . .
God loves us and walks with us and redeems us and makes use of us and pours himself into us for his glory. He has done it before and will do it again.
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.
Whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
. . . .
(All of the italicized biblical passages above are are written by or about faithful servants of God—prophets, teachers, writers of scripture, disciples, apostles. In order, here are their locations: 1 Corinthians 2:1, 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; Exodus 4:10; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Lamentations 3:18; Psalm 6:3; Matthew 26:41; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 7:15; Psalm 51:3; Acts 26:14; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Lamentations 2:11; 2 Corinthians 1:8; Luke 9:54; Ecclesiastes 1:2; Habakkuk 1:2; Psalm 10:1; Psalm 13:1,2; Matthew 9:37; 1 Kings 19:4, 10; Psalm 34:18; Corinthians 12:10. All are in the New English Translation [NET].)
[photo by Amanda King]
