The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

This is one psalm, but it reads like two distinct chapters. In the first nine verses, the author bared his soul. He cried out for help, but remained uncomforted (v. 2). The difficulties he faced kept his eyes open at night and his mouth shut during the day (v. 4). In the midst of trouble, he asked the honest questions many in this broken world ask: Does God still love me? Are God’s promises still true? (vv. 7 – 8). That is the first “chapter” of this psalm.

Then the psalmist remembered something else, namely, the character of the God he cried out to. In this second “chapter,” he meditated upon the deeds of his God (vv. 10 – 12), the character of his God (v. 13) and the power of his God (vv. 14 – 20). Long before the psalmist’s sufferings, the people of God were in bondage in Egypt. God heard their cry, redeeming them with a mighty arm (vv. 15 – 19). In the midst of trouble, the psalmist’s only hope was the character of his God.

Jesus instructed his disciples along the same lines in John 14. Though he never promised them a life of ease, he encouraged them to believe in the midst of trouble (Jn 14:1). Their only hope, too, was the character of the God who spoke to them. This Jesus — God incarnate — heard their cries and put his power on display by redeeming them.

Jesus, I know that trouble will always be near. Give me courage in the midst of it, so that I may focus on living my life for you. Amen.