Have you ever been too distressed to pray? The psalmist had hit rock bottom here and his despair is evident. His struggle is real, like our struggles, perhaps you are even struggling right now. Have you shouted? Have you moaned? Think back to a time when you were in a place such as this. Did you try to go it alone? Do you see God’s hand was resting on you?
A key theme surfaces again to focus the tone to a God who is mighty and holy. It is always helpful to remember who is in control. We belong to God and he is full of mercy and miracles. It can be much easier to stay in a place of despair and denial, wallowing in self pity, anger, fear, or sadness. Why is that? Why do we even let the thought, surely God has abandoned us, ever enter our minds? I suppose we expect God to keep our lives perfect and peaceful. If that were the case, how could we grow, how could we learn our dependence on him?
Our trials are not to be faced alone. We may just perceive that to be true, and what a shame that is. Really. We, like the psalmist, need to snap out of our funk, quickly, and acknowledge who is holding on to us, lifting us up, walking beside. The truth of verse 14 should help sustain us, “You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.” That same God is our God. That same awesome power is available to us, too.
Let’s pray. Lord, you are mighty and just. Thank you for all that you do for us. Today I’m struggling and need your help. Actually, it’s for a friend. It’s hard to watch her heartache. She has closed you out God. I pray that your power will penetrate the ache in her heart. Shower her with your peace until she feels drenched in your love. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
