PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 102
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“For you have taken me up and thrown me aside.” (Psalm 102: 10)
This is not one of those verses that people memorize.
You won’t find it on inspirational cards or gift mugs.
The psalmist is being brutally honest – this is how he feels.
God inspires him to record his honest thoughts, even though they are untrue.
God has allowed us to see into the soul of a struggling believer.
Someone that hangs on to God for hope, but is feeling no hope.
I have met many people like this, and have felt this a few times too.
It’s nice to know that God allows them to feel and express their feelings.
Sadly other believers are not so patient and kind with those who lament.
In their piety they rebuke those who complain or question God.
They tell them that it is their sin, not God, that is hurting them.
They say that if they had faith, they would not feel that way.
Jesus does not treat us this way; like God he is gentle with those who struggle.
“A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matthew 12:20)
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your patient love. Thank you for the freedom to be honest with you. May those who feel far from you somehow experience your comfort and strength as they pour out their soul to you.
There are times when things don’t look good – when all I see is depressing – when it seems hopeless – when people fall away from believing – yet the Psalmist hangs onto hope even in his despair and believes that even as Zion has fallen – God “will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.” I too believe and hang onto the perseverance of my God – who will carry me through and on whose hope I rely. Good times or bad – what hope is there outside of faith? Lord I thank you that I can be honest with you when I have my doubts and apprehensions – yet I know I can trust in you!