Hope for the Hurting
O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! - Psalm 40:11
As a Christian, life can be tough in many ways. Not only do we face the struggles everyone else faces, but we also face the challenge of seeing life from a biblical perspective when we've been programmed to think about life from a worldly viewpoint.
In this psalm, immediately following verse 11 and these wonderful affirmations, David says, "Evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me" (Psalm 40:12). David was "underwater."
Not only was David being afflicted from the "outside" (his circumstances), but he was also being attacked by his own failures (he had some BIG failures). He was so beaten down that he said, "I cannot see." In his turmoil, he trusted God.
Two observations:
First – Even in the deepest pain, God's mercy is flowing over His children. This is where good theology is critical. Jesus did not rescue us so we could escape from what a sinful world can throw at us (that part of the plan will come later). He came so our sins could be forgiven and to be our strength while we're in the struggle with everyone else.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2
Second – There is One who did not falter in the face of difficulty. Jesus trusted the Father's goodness as He completed the mission. Can you imagine a young Jesus reading this psalm as He was growing in His understanding of the path He would walk someday: totally rejected, tortured, and killed by the very people He came to rescue? What is the truth in that rejection? God's love is steadfast, His mercy is flowing, and He will be faithful to preserve His own while in the storm. Even if we falter, Jesus did not.
Jesus, while I often don’t see life as I should, I know you are managing every event and situation for my good and your glory. Thank you for always doing what is best even though I may not agree. Thank you for not simply giving me everything I want – that would be terrible. Please cause me to trust you and know that you will not restrain your mercy from me.
Song: Faithful God