Joshua did a great job walking us through this Psalm. Judging by the conversation, I think we were all inspired. Some highlights I have been mulling over:
1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining away ; Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed. 3soul is greatly dismayed ; But You, O LORD -how long ? And my
There are times when the consequences of sin threaten our very existence. Was David physically ill? Or was his acknowledgment of the depth of his sorrow because he had realized the ultimate price his sin required? Either way, God provided, in "how long," time for a request for mercy.
4 Return, O LORD, rescue my soul ; Save me because of Your lovingkindness. 5 For there is no mention of You in death ; In Sheol who will give You thanks ?
David's faith persevered through the darkness. He knew who God was and asked Him for mercy, not for anything David had done, but for the innate quality of God's character. David's understanding was that we had finite existence restrained to this world, but for us with the New Covenant perspective, are we seeking to glorify God and fulfill our earthly life's purpose? Maybe we need to remind ourselves that it is not God's will that we give up on glorifying Him in this world before we are called to glorify Him in the next. We HOPE for heaven, but we walk through this life because of our FAITH in God. As Josh explained, that's the difference between our "glory" and our "honor" Glory is scoring the touchdown, honor is showing up for practice.
6 I am weary with my sighing ; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. 7 My eye has wasted away with grief ; It has become old because of all my adversaries.
What is an enemy? Someone who is launching a dedicated campaign for our destruction. Whether against physical enemies, personal enemies, or the spiritual enemy, God's got our back so we can stand, or even weep, in His strength.
8 Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer. 10 All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed ; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.
Our enemies don't gain strength from our tears, we gain strength when we bring our tears to God. He awakens us with new mercies: songs on our lips and praises on our tongues. He hears us as we seek Him in righteousness. He answers us when we call out to Him. And thank you for the testimonies of God revealing His glory in times of our brokenness. They were so beautiful.
Love you guys,
Hannah
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