SCRIPTURE: Psalm 6:1-10
OBSERVATION:
David is in physical and emotional/spiritual crisis, possible nearing death. His enemies are attacking him, perhaps like Job’s friends, blaming him for his own suffering. David is in agony, and pleads for mercy. He concludes his prayer with an expression of confidence, “the Lord has heard”.
APPLICATION:
This is a very graphic description of physical, emotional and spiritual agony. I have never experienced this kind of ‘darkness’, and maybe it is a good description of “depression” (the dark night of the soul). Once again I am challenged and encouraged to consider where I turn when I face hardship, where I place my confidence, or how I go through physical, emotional or spiritual battles.
PRAYER:
Lord, may David’s example inspire me to turn more quickly to You when I am going through a valley. Forgive me for relying on myself or others first. Help me to trust You first, even when I look to others for help. Amen.
The Psalmist takes everything to the Lord in prayer. In the suffering and groaning and weeping, the Psalmist asks for mercy/deliverance. Yet the Psalm ends with the confidence that the Lord God has heard his prayer. The Psalmist was confident that his soorow will be turned into joy.
The Psalmist asks the Lord not to rebuke him in anger or wrath. Lord help me in my disciplining to do the same – never in anger. Help me also to place my confidence in You as the Psalist did. Whatever my lot, You have taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Thank You for that assurance and confidence. In my journey of today, may I travel with that confidence, always placing my hand in Yours.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.