Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Psalm 6 (NRSV)

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
My soul also is struck with terror,
while you, O LORD—how long?

Turn, O LORD, save my life;
deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
For in death there is no remembrance of you;
in Sheol who can give you praise?

I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.
My eyes waste away because of grief;
they grow weak because of all my foes.

Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
The LORD has heard my supplication;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

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Reflect

“I am weary with my moaning.” Have you ever feel that way—sick and tired of being sick and tired, that your prayers were bouncing off the ceiling? David has had enough of his pity party, not that there weren’t valid reasons for his lament. We often cry out to the Lord with some very serious concerns about our health and happiness. Like David, we sometimes wonder, “O Lord—how long?” God is patient with our tantrum and waits for us to settle down.

When my niece, Rachel, was a toddler she was prone to “mad fits,” as my mother called them. One day when something didn’t go her way, Rachel expressed her anger by throwing herself onto the floor, crying and stomping her feet. Mom quietly left the room and closed the door. In just a few minutes Rachel came out and meekly stood in front her grandmother. Eyes downcast, she said softly, “I sorry, Gramma.”

When we reach the point that Rachel did, God can deal with us. God can and does reassure us. David remembered that God had heard his pleas and accepted his prayers. Many of David’s psalms are laments, but he always ends them with praise for God. When we grow tired of our own pity parties, let’s follow David’s example and express praise to God.

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Pray

Lord, you have heard our weeping and our prayers. Comfort us with your presence as we wait for your deliverance.

Go with God.