Trapped
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” -Psalm 28:7
In the many Psalms that David wrote, he was honest, real, and emotional. When his life was threatened, or he felt down and frustrated, he asked God for answers. He would often cry out to God. David knew both in good times and in tough times, he could find strength in God’s power and presence. He could find courage and hope in God’s provision and protection.
A couple of years ago, I was in a situation where I could have felt trapped. I was working at a TV station in downtown Orlando and celebrations were taking place for the 4th of July. That meant the parking garage where all the television employees parked, along with the nearby streets were packed. As I left work, thousands of other people were leaving the area as well. The parking garage itself was at a standstill. The streets were lined with cars and it appeared no one was going anywhere. I got into my car and as I was able to leave the parking lot I had two choices. If I made a left hand turn, it looked like I faced mass amounts of traffic. For some reason, when I looked to the right there was nothing. It looked clear. While I thought that was a little strange, I took a risk and made a right hand turn. Suddenly I realized WHY that way was clear. At the next light there was a police car blocking the road. I couldn’t make a left hand turn. It was a one way street. I couldn’t make a right hand turn, the road was closed off. And straight in front of me was that police car with a roadblock. While I wanted to turn around, I couldn’t. There were too many people and cars. It looked like I was trapped.
“Oh no.” I thought. “Don’t panic.”
I knew I had a choice so I started to pray. “Please, God I know this may seem silly – but you see the situation I’m in and I’m trapped – I thank you for making a way that seems impossible – because I know you are the God of the impossible. Thank you…thank you ….thank you….” No more than two minutes later a police officer suddenly appeared, hopped in the car that was blocking the road, turned on his lights and sirens and left the scene and a worker pulled the barrier clearing the road in front of me. I was amazed and trapped no more. “Yes! Thank you Jesus!”
I drove away thinking about how important it is to stay calm, read and recite God’s Word, and call on Jesus in every circumstance, big and small. I had also remembered, in years past where I felt trapped, and how differently I reacted.
Are you in a situation where you feel trapped?
Do you feel like you can’t win and there’s nowhere to turn around? I hope this encourages you and gives you hope that with God all things are possible.
- Stay calm.
In that situation, I could have easily let my emotions get the best of me. But we need to take hold of our emotions and let God work things out.
2. Come to God, giving thanks.
In the situation where I was trapped, I expected God to move. Have faith. I thanked God in advance for moving. God loves when we thank Him for advance of what He is doing in our lives – that shows our FAITH. Wherever you are in your situation thank God for what He has already done. He is moving – He is creating a way for you – He is working behind the scenes for your good and for His glory.
3. God will always provide a way out.
You may feel like you are in a never ending situation – but know God is with you. He will provide a way out. You will not be trapped. Keep holding on. Keep trusting. Keep believing.
4. See God in all your circumstances.
For me—this is huge. See God in everything you do and what He is doing for you – both the big and little things. When we see God in ALL circumstances it boosts our faith, it re-energizes us and helps us to get through whatever we are facing. God loves you and cares about every detail and circumstance in your life.
So know, you are never trapped. God is the God of the impossible. He LOVES you.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are our strength and our Shield. Our hearts trust in You. We thank You and praise You that we never have to feel trapped or alone, because You are there. Thank You for Your strength and Your comfort. Thank You that You hear the cries of Your children. When situations or circumstances come up that cause us anxiety or fear, please help us to take every thought captive to Christ. Let the joy of the Lord be our strength today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We certainly hope this blesses and encourages you. May God strengthen you today. He IS faithful and you are loved. I’m praying for you!
Christine Batchelder