pointpg08

                Remember that God's ways are so far beyond our own. Unless God has revealed something to you about a situation, be careful what you think and especially what you say, because you may not be seeing correctly and may bring judgement down upon yourself.
              
                That being said, let us look at some scriptures that show evidence that the writers may have reached the point of desperation:
              
                Psalm 77:2

                "When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted."

                Psalm 132:4

                "I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till..."

                Psalm 102:4-5

                "My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. Because of my loud groaning I am reduced to skin and bones."

                Psalm 109:22-24

                "For I am poor and needy and my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. My knees give way from fasting; my body is thin and gaunt."

                Giving up comfort, sleep, food, wealth, health, and even our lives is not always easy in times of emotional or financial security. The point of desperation will most certainly drive us to put these aside.

                The following paragraph is in larger bold type because there are many who will twist what this text is saying to perform all kinds of perverse things; things that God never intended:
              
                In no way are we saying that God is looking for our self-mutilation, abuse, or neglect of family members or responsibilities. Nor are we saying that we should impose these things on others. Each person is responsible to seek the Lord in a manner that is both wise and in faith. The "harsh treatment of the body" in itself, has no "value in restraining sensual indulgence." (Colossians 2:23) And "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (ITimothy 5:8)
              
                Those who genuinely understand this text and who are desperate for the Lord will find the difference between genuine diligence seeking the Lord and a foolish lack of responsibility. Anyone who will "sacrifice" job or family time "for the Lord", and then sits down to watch football for four hours is really not at the "point" of desperation. Personal free time should always be the first to be sacrificed. If anyone needs help in determining the difference, they should pray and also seek Godly and medical counsel before making any family and/or health related decisions.