Psalm 6:6-10

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Sorrow is exhausting. The emotion wears us out. Pain takes its toll. Tears come at unexpected times knocking us over like a rogue wave. Nights are often the hardest. Agony seems more acute in the dark, in the stillness, in the aloneness. That was the case with David. The night brought tears; the day brought swollen and tired eyes.

We considered the first part of David’s lament yesterday. His body and soul were in agony. He cried out, “How long, Lord, how long?” He cried out for mercy and based his pleas on God’s “unfailing love.” Now, as the psalm ends, David’s renewed confidence begins. He knows that God has heard his weeping and his cries for mercy. He knows that God has accepted his prayer. He is certain that God will come to his aid.

The same goes with you. God knows your pain. He sees your tears. And He is able to turn your cries into confidence. I can’t promise the illness will go away, the relationship will be restored, or the child will come back home. I can promise that in the midst of it all, God will give you everything you need to do what He is calling you to do. That’s comfort and confidence!

Father, I am weak. I need Your strength. I am anxious. I need Your peace. I am fearful. I need Your confidence. I dread the night. Please meet me here. The days are long. Stay by my side. Thank You for the promise that You will give me all I need to do what You are calling me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.