Abiding in the PsalmsSample

A Cry for Help

As we read these psalms which have such heavy words, our reactions may be very different. You may find them confronting because the level of emotion spoken about is not something you have ever felt, or you may find them confronting because the language of weeping in your bed is all too close to home for you. Either way, there are two things we must see. 

First, this is a model for prayer. We are emotional people who experience a range of emotions like fear, anger, sadness, joy, happiness, and many more. We learn from psalms like this that God doesn’t just want your happy prayers. He wants prayers that reflect your heart. God wants the real you, vulnerable and true laid out before Him in prayer--and He will meet you there.

Second, even in the midst of the severe emotion, we see a proclamation of our saving God. Bookending this psalm is v1-2, with David calling for mercy, and v9-10 as David concludes by proclaiming that God has heard and answered his prayer. 

Even when you feel like everything is falling apart and broken, you can find assurance that our God loves to show mercy and to forgive. And when all feels inconsistent and broken, know His love is there. As you live through emotions, hear the invitation to pour your heart out at God’s feet. 

Questions

1. What would your prayer life look like if you were as honest with God as David is?

2. Do you know you are forgiven by God and have received mercy? Does that stay in your heart and in your prayers when life is different or difficult?

Pray

Pray a prayer that truly reflects what is in your heart. Be it joyful or painful, lay whatever is in your mind before God. Ask God for mercy and thank Him for accepting your prayer.