His Presence In Our Pain
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me today to grasp the width, depth, length and height of Your great love for me.
Read Psalm 41:1-13
[1] For the director of music. A psalm of David. Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. [2] The LORD protects and preserves them- they are counted among the blessed in the land- he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. [3] The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. [4] I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” [5] My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” [6] When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it around. [7] All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, [8] “A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up from the place where he lies.” [9] Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. [10] But may you have mercy on me, LORD; raise me up, that I may repay them. [11] I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. [12] Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. [13] Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What is the source of David's trouble and of his hope?The psalmist was well aware that life throws up a lot of dirt. We get sick, we get hurt (3). We suffer physical and emotional pain. I guess we would all identify with some of the situations described here: the things people say that cut us to the heart (5), the way people jump to conclusions (6), the way they judge (7) and even the way our closest friends or family let us down (9). Added to which, we suffer spiritual pain–those moments when we are acutely aware of the wretchedness of our sin (4). We may wish it otherwise, but God does not lock his people away in an ivory tower to protect them from the pains of life. The psalmist’s experience and his song testify to the way that the Lord protects us and sustains us through the pain. No matter what life threw at him, no matter how hurt he felt, the psalmist held on tightly to God. He held on by trusting what God had promised (1-3) and by believing that God’s love for him was stronger and more powerful than the problems in his life (11,12).
Apply
If life is tough right now, read Romans 8:35-39 until you know it by heart. Thank God for its promise.
Closing prayer
Loving and Caring God, I thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
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