Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes fail,
looking for my God.
Psalm 69:1-3 NIV
It’s been about 50 days since our country all but completely shut down. We human beings, who are created by God because He loves relationship, are aching for human interaction.
We’re longing for something remotely familiar. Normal. Soothing. The simplest return of recognizable routine would be welcome. Anything to escape the “what if” monster from taunting us every other minute.
We’re wondering what happened to our security? The slowdown has caused most to ask some great questions. In what or who have I placed my faith? In what does my security, my peace of mind rest? For many people the length of days without resolution is fraying the nerves.
Are you feeling undone?
May I recommend reading the psalms in the Bible?
Psalms are simply the best medicine for getting the completely understandable, but darkest thoughts and feelings up and out of your system. If you’re feeling bothered right now, Psalm 69 will help you get started with casting your thoughts and feelings on the Lord. Because of his deep and intimate relationship with God, King David had no problem with honestly and thoroughly pouring his heart out before the Lord.
I contend that King David, the psalmist, is a wonderfully refreshing example of the freedom we have to converse directly with our Creator.
Personally, I began this year, on Ash Wednesday, reading one psalm a day. I planned to finish on Resurrection Sunday; however, as the rhyme and rhythm of this year slowed nearly to a crawl I determined to keep reading. Today is day 69. Psalm 69. And today as every other day I have found words for my feelings and comfort for my soul as I take every thought captive to Jesus.
Join me. Will you?
Keep going. Keep reading. Let the words become your own. Let them stir you up and roar out the entire length of the psalm. Recognize that you’re not the only one who has ever lived this pain. Let the words of the psalmist work on your heart and mind as a salve which draws the infection up and out of a wound.
Realize that restoration is coming. Healing will result from this cleansing exercise of honest casting of thoughts and feelings upon Christ.
Keep going. Keep breathing. Keep reading the psalms until you see Jesus reading them with you. He’s there. He’ll never leave you.
Jesus lived this Psalm. He was despised. Jesus was hated. Abused. Cursed. Beaten. Abandoned. Killed. Buried.
And then restoration came. He rose. He lives. Jesus understands all your words. All your shouts. All your feelings. Jesus lived it. He is with you. See Him. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Rejoice in Him.
Day 69. Focus – Jesus.
Eyes on Him.
