I found Psalm 80 to be so applicable when you feel stuck in a relationship situation. The poetry in it when you read it several times is wildly symbolic to how we must listen to our needs of our body & spirit to navigate trying situations. And how recognizing your desire for something different is part of the change you crave. Soli Deo Gloria.
Listen,
To the voice that guides me to choose rest & hydration, that leads me alongside others who value rest & hydration & other good things,
You are spiritual in nature. In between the creation of music & music itself, in the blend of harmony.
You, spiritual voice that guides us to choose good things for our bodies, you are a light.
We all have access to you. You give perspective.
Come present now and help us all see. (v. 1,2)
selah
To wake up clear headed, to feel able & willing – this is what will mark a shift in my perspective. This is what we all need.
To smile, like a sunflower smiling at the sun.
To feel clear, able & willing, to smile from the heart – that is how I want to feel when I wake up. This will make a difference.
The rut I am in feels long. I know it will pass but this? This is brutal.
My body has taken in grief.
All of my relationships and my experiences within them point me to some aspect of this cycle I am in.
Shift my perspective so I wake fresh with a clear mind. Bring my eyes open through the beauty of the natural world so I can feel strong in my spirit and generous with kindness. (v. 3-7)
selah
The character of people & circumstances flourish and mature in the pattern of nature: rooting, transforming through seasons, branching out, producing fruit. (v. 8-11)
Since this can be seen as truth, so must it be true we can be taken advantage of, we can be wiped out… conditions can cause us to wilt.
Why? Because it is natural? Natural to end? To go to compost?
So this could be it for me, for the relationship, for the situation, for the job. This could be the end. (v. 12-14)
Yet, I am writing this because my spirit is alive and desiring growth and relationship.
It feels anointed, my suffering feels directional – strengthen me in this. (v. 15-17)
So, again, please –
Divine perspective, clear trustworthy voice, you – the radical shift that comes in day to day miracles & awe inspiring wonder –
Hold me with your left hand’s counsel & protect me with the power of your right,
I am committed to understanding.
I will trust your presence.
I will recognize the present compared to the past and I will remain present in relationship to the future.
Warm my heart, teach me gentleness – so I can be clear with the most precise good thought. (v. 18-19)
Frozen Spaghetti 