March 5, 2021 -- Psalm 6:4-5 -- Save me, O LORD

Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;

save me for the sake of your steadfast love.

For in death there is no remembrance of you;

in Sheol who will give you praise?

Psalm 6:4-5 English Standard Version

When I am feeling good, those who depressed and struggling against dire circumstances—like illness or financial ruin or betrayal by family—whatever it is, well, they’re able to pull you down into the whirlpool of their sufferings. It is tempting to stand far off and just enjoy my own good feelings far separated from the straggling strugglers.

This is perhaps why it is difficult for us to comprehend the great kindness of God our LORD. In the past, whenever the people of the LORD have struggled and grieved and lamented, the LORD answered. He did turn and He was gracious to His people, bringing them great deliverance. The LORD is not like a fair weather friend who leaves at the first sign of trouble. He invites His people to persistent prayer and repeating asking for deliverance. He does this so that believers know their salvation is wholly the work of God. He does this so that believers have cause to rejoice. He does this so that believers remember the horrors of past sins, if that is what is currently afflicting them. He does this so that believers will meet others who are struggling in the deepest pits of grief, or sorrow or pain, and believers can identity with fellow sufferers and point them towards their heart’s home—The LORD our God, our Deliverer.

Faithful Father, it is almost too hard to lift my eyes upwards to try and find You. As You have been merciful to Your people in the past, on that basis I am begging You, show kindness to me now. Forgive the times I have been unable to bear the tears and suffering of others. Forgive me for avoiding those who might seem capable of pulling me into the mud flats of their sorrows and for not wading in immediately help them by prayer and Scripture, in the power of Your Spirit, so that together we find the sure shore of Your steadfast love. This I pray in Jesus’ Name—the One Who is the lighthouse of Your eternal love. Amen.

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