By F. D. Adkins
Sometimes I find comfort in reading the Book of Psalms, especially the Psalms of lament. I suppose it is the heartfelt connection that I feel to the emotion poured out in the words, the emotion expressing the depth and reality of human struggles. Yesterday, I read the sixth chapter in the Book of Psalms, and I want to share a few verses because I believe that at some point in our lives, we have all felt David’s level of pain and despair.
“I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of mine enemies.” Psalm 6:6-7 KJV
Have you ever been in such anguish that you could not sleep? Have you ever laid in bed and cried all night? Have you ever shed so many tears that your eyes became swollen and sore? I know I have had a few moments in my life when I could relate to these verses. As humans, none of us are exempt from hard times, and depression is an issue that affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
Today, it seems that depression is a growing problem, and I believe social media adds to these problems in our young people. Negative comments and hurtful words seem so much easier to dish out when one can hide behind a phone or a computer, but the wounds inflicted are just as deep as if we were tearing each other down face to face.
In this scripture, David writes about the intense pain eating away at him. He pulls us into this dark place with him and allows us to identify with the intensity of his suffering. But then, David reminds us that we are not alone. He reminds us that hope is not lost because God hears our prayers. God hears our pleas for help that are intertwined with our tears.
“Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.” Psalm 6:8-9 KJV
I noticed as I studied these verses that David is not wondering if God hears Him nor is he questioning God’s presence. David is making a statement that does not contain even a hint of doubt. David is saying with complete certainty that God has heard his crying and has received his request.
So, friends, we need to remember that in our darkest moments, when the enemy wants us to think all hope is gone, God is right there collecting our tears and hearing the prayers echoing through our sobs.
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” Psalm 56:8 KJV.
And when we have God with us, we can endure any storm.
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 KJV
Thank you Farrah for this blog. We all have low points in our lives. Some lower than others. We have to learn to trust God, that He holds us by our hand and He never leaves us even in the worst of times. He will see us through.