Things I Know for Sure
Opening Prayer
Father God, You know all that’s in my heart and mind. I’m thankful I can share them with You honestly.
Read Psalm 102:1-28
[1] A prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the LORD. Hear my prayer, LORD; let my cry for help come to you. [2] Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. [3] For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. [4] My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. [5] In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones. [6] I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. [7] I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. [8] All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse. [9] For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears [10] because of your great wrath, for you have taken me up and thrown me aside. [11] My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. [12] But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations. [13] You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come. [14] For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity. [15] The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. [16] For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. [17] He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. [18] Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: [19] “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, [20] to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” [21] So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem [22] when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD. [23] In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days. [24] So I said: “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations. [25] In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [26] They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. [27] But you remain the same, and your years will never end. [28] The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is this man’s problem and what hope has he?Four years ago this month my doctor told me I had cancer. I was 47. Many things went through my head. I almost certainly won’t live as long as I expected to. I found myself saying, with the psalmist, “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days” (24). I understand what this man means when he says, “I forget to eat my food” (4). And like him I often “lie awake” (7). Those are common symptoms of depression. I hope my cancer will be cured. I’m hopeful that I will live a long time yet. I’m praying for both of those things, but I can’t be sure they’ll happen. There are some things I do know for sure, more surely than I did before I had cancer. I know them because God has promised them. I know that God hears people who call when they are in trouble (17). I know that God’s plan extends throughout all generations so that my children’s children will live in God’s presence (28). I know that the Lord will complete the building of his kingdom, and that we will one day see God’s glory fully revealed (16). And that’s enough.
Apply
What are some things that are very important to you that you know “for sure.” As you recall them, thank God.
Closing prayer
Tell God that you, too, know and trust the things the psalmist knew “for sure.” Thank God that he keeps his promises.
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