Often the most devastating moment in any trying circumstance is when you realise no one is listening to you, and you are on your own.
For David, the Psalmist, he knew just such a circumstance – an enduring trial, that seems to go on and on, with no light at the end of the tunnel. His question is “how long?”, and it seems that he is almost at breaking point. Reading through the Psalm, you can feel his utter helplessness, his broken spirit, his grief.
But then just at the end, his spirit is lifted, his resolve is strengthened and he has hope. Why the change? What has brought it about? He has come to the realisation that he is not alone – God has heard his voice.
What a tremendous comfort it is for the believer in Christ to know that there is a Saviour seated above in the heights of heaven, who knows what we go through, who loves us and cares for us, and who always has an open ear to hear our prayers.
(To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.)
1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.
If you are in trying circumstances and feel alone, tell the Lord all about it. Take comfort in the fact that he is listening, and trust in Christ to bring you through or resolve the problem.
He is able. What hope?
Forward in Hope 