TODAY IN THE WORD
Patrick, the fifth-century missionary who is credited with bringing the gospel to Ireland, once came under severe attack from critics of his ministry. Patrick wrote in his Confession that he drew strength from God during the attacks. 'Indeed He bore me up, though I was trampled underfoot in such a way. For although I was put down and shamed, not too much harm came to me.'

If you've ever felt trampled on by life, maybe you can identify with Patrick's feelings. The writer of today's psalm was even more eloquent. He cried out for God to answer him in his deep distress, pleading with the Lord not to turn His face or ear away from the psalmist's prayer.

We're not told what led to this wintry period of turmoil in the psalmist's life. But the symptoms sound familiar. He felt the effects in his body (v. 3). He couldn't eat or sleep (vv. 4, 7). And he felt completely isolated, like a bird sitting among ruins (v. 6).

But in this case there was more. For whatever reason, the writer says God had allowed his deep distress to come on him. This introduces an element of the hard times that we need to face. There is no definite indication in the psalm that this believer's sin was the reason God had 'taken [him] up and thrown [him] aside' (v. 10).

But this figure of speech is too graphic simply to throw aside the idea that God permits hard circumstances to crash against His people. The psalmist was being harassed by his enemies, but clearly God was sovereign over his problems.

As we read on, though, we begin to discover why the Psalms have been called 'the medicine chest of the soul.' Today's reading ends with the confident statement of verse 12, but the following verses address the day when God will establish His kingdom and all the people of the earth will worship Him (v. 22). In other words, the psalm brings us back to the reassuring theme that no matter what season of life or faith we may be in, God is constant in His righteous person and purpose. Later on this month, we will consider the reaffirming truths that close this psalm.

---

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Chances are you're home today enjoying the Labor Day holiday.

This might be a good opportunity to spend some extra time praying for a request or need that is especially important to you right now. Today's verse reminds us that God's ear is always open to the heartfelt prayers of His children. Why not take a walk sometime today and pray as you go? You can begin by praying from God's Word, reminding yourself of the promise in verse 17 and thanking Him for the open access you have to heaven.

< Previous Day

Next Day >