The psalmist is truly in a low, scary place as he laments here. I can’t say that I’ve ever been so low, so stuck in the mud, but do know of others who have been or are now. What strikes a chord with me here is that no matter how down trodden, abused, forlorn or lost the psalmist feels, he has not lost sight of God; he continues to cry out and beg for rescue. This shows the acknowledgement and trust that God is the answer, that God will rescue no matter the dire straights. We must, like the psalmist, rely on God to save us in times of need.
On this Holy Saturday, when Jesus was in the tomb, experiencing the trials between his death and resurrection, many across the world will also be spending the day reflecting, mourning, lamenting, being real with God, much like our psalmist is in today’s reading. What are the cries of your heart today? What areas of your life are empty? What do you need help with? Take a moment to reflect on this. Perhaps you even want to write them down as you pour out your heart to God, and then put them in an envelope and set it aside. Tomorrow, you will burn that envelope or shred it to smithereens.
Cry out using verse 16, “Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful. Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful,” and verse 13, “[i]n your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation.”
I love how the psalm ends with praise. Proof and assurance that our dark hours are only temporary, and the light will shine again. We know the whole story now, but in the hours following Jesus’ death, his closest followers must have been so lost, confused at what had just happened, yet terrified for their own lives for having the association. Yet their love and devotion for their God helped cover and protect them. They had no hope, as they had likely forgotten Jesus telling them he would return. Those would have been words too hard to fathom and thus put out of mind.
We need to praise amidst our storm. It is the greatest tribute we can give God as we trust him and praise him even when it hurts. It’s not easy to do, but once you are doing it, truly worshipping, your pain will subside in that moment. You are one with God, focusing only on his great power and love for you.
Let’s pray. Lord, while I might not be experiencing the mire pit, I pray for those that are in that dark place. Help them Lord to see your light and not give up. Watch over me today as I focus on you and cleanse myself of all my guilt, shame, sadness and fear. Help me cling to your saving grace that you so freely give. May I not forget the life you lived and died, the great sacrifice you made for me. Use me Lord to reflect your light for those in the darkness. I praise you for your faithfulness and great provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
