My mom and I were stuck. . . Trapped on a narrow, rocky, almost invisible path near the top of Sulphur Mountain in Jasper National Park.  Too exhausted to breathe, going up seemed impossible and falling down would mean either death or wishing for death.   Yes, we were stuck.  Stuck together.  Stuck in a predicament.  Installed on that mountain.

We’ve all been stuck in traffic.  Many of us have been stuck in jobs, addictions or sicknesses.  And most of the time being stuck seems like it lasts forever.  Some 3000 years ago, when the book of Psalms was written, almost a third of these Psalms were about people who essentially felt stuck.  Theologians call these, “Psalms of lament”.

Listen to these words from Psalm 13:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” ^{Psalm 13:1-2}

Could you feel the heaviness of the waiting, fear and uncertainty?  Most of us have been there – some of us – way too many times.   But if we look closely, we cannot help but notice that the author is looking to God to lead them.  For God to provide the way.

And ultimately, no matter how we get unstuck, isn’t it true that God deserves the credit.  Listen to the praise in Psalm 40. “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” ^{Psalm 40:2}

Who lifted me out?  God did.

Perhaps he sent an angel disguised as friend.  Sometimes he may give us medicine, or an idea.  Often he will strengthen us with resolve to take the next step – like my mom and I as we wobbled, literally one foot at a time, step by step to the summit.

When we are stuck, who lifts you and I out?  God does.  Let’s ask him for help and praise him when it happens!  “God lifted me out of the slimy pit – and set my feet upon a rock named Jesus.”  He’s already done all the heavy lifting!  Let’s praise him.