Devotions: Always There

 

He has regarded the prayer of the destitute
And has not despised their prayer.

Psalm 102:17 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

This psalm is the cry of one afflicted, asking for deliverance and mercy. He was scorned and mistreated and felt forgotten and cast away by God. He asked for God to return and rescue him, and then praised God for it and what he knew to be true even though it hadn’t happened yet. That is something we need to put into practice when we are in distress. We need to praise God for what He has done and will do, even before He does it, remembering His attributes which never change. The word regarded literally means to turn toward. God didn’t forget him. He was waiting for the right time to act. He does not despise or look down on those who are poor or in need. He listens to them and does what is best. Waiting is hard, making us feel abandoned, but God is with us just as much then as always. We cannot rely on our feelings to gauge what is happening. Instead, we must rely on the truth. The Bible says that God will never leave us nor forsake us. So even though He feels distant, it is only a figment of our emotions. We need to draw near to Him so that we can feel His presence again. God has also promised to hear our prayers and to do what is best for us. Even though it feels like He is punishing us or is acting indifferently or even cruelly, we must remember that He is love, viewing our circumstances in light of His character rather than viewing His character in light of our circumstances.

Are you in distress? Have you cried out to God for help and mercy? Wait for Him, trust in His goodness and character. Draw near to Him so that you can see Him act.

 

 

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Translations of Greek and Hebrew words taken from blueletterbible.org