Where do you turn when you have trouble, multiple troubles,
heart-rending troubles, troubles that come in waves (7), “I’m-not-sure-I-can-go-on”
troubles (4)? As you read this Psalm you see that the this man is so overwhelmed
with his troubles that even his friends have turned away from him (8, 18). He
even feels that God himself has cast his soul away and hides his face from him
(14). All he knows is darkness (18). How much lower could a person possibly
get? Another noticeable feature of this Psalm, unlike most Psalms of lament, is
that there is no relief mentioned in the text. Perhaps it is hoped for and implied,
but rescue from the troubles is not found…yet.
But what we do see in this deeply moving Psalm is where to
turn in the midst of these kinds of trouble. The Psalmist points us in the
right direction. He keeps on stressing that he is turning to God. “Day and
night” he cries out to God (1). “Every day” he calls upon the Lord and spreads
out his hands to him (9). “In the morning” his prayer goes up to God.
Though it is a tough message to accept, without the
resolution of the conflict, we still can be blessed by following the Psalmist’s
example. Never stop crying out to God! He alone is the source of peace and
comfort and grace and strength. As his child, he will hear you.
Prayer: Father, rarely do we find ourselves in as depressing
a situation as this Psalm. But sometimes, Lord, even small troubles can seem
overwhelming at the time. Help us to learn the lesson of the Psalmist that we
must turn to you. Lord, where else would we go? You alone have the words of
life.
No comments:
Post a Comment