Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, “My foot slips,”
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
(Psalm 94:17-19 NKJV)
What arouses our anxieties? Certainly, the world and all that is wrong in it. Does your health or the health of your family awaken those anxious thoughts? What about money or the lack of it? Anxiety begins with a low buzz that increases to something like a swarm of cicadas on a hot summer’s night. The enemy’s goal is to silence us, so we won’t turn to prayer.
Look at our focal verses. The Psalmist says that his soul would have settled in silence if it had not been for the Lord’s help. I’m prone to depression, and I have found it easier to swim in my misery than to climb out of its reach. We must allow the Lord to help us before we reach the point of prayerlessness.
Once I turn to God, He shows me the thoughts I must remove from my mind. They are the thoughts that produce emotions like dread and worry.
God will remind me of His sovereign power. He will strengthen my faith, and He will cover me with His mercy.
Friend, like you and me, the Psalmist’s foot slipped at times. Have you ever walked through your yard, a park or through the woods when suddenly your foot begins sliding because you just stepped in mud? You lose your balance as you fight to regain your composure. Life has some mud puddles too. The nightly news, the doctor’s diagnosis, the envelope with windows in the mailbox, or that dreaded phone call. We fight for stability, and that’s when God’s strong arms of mercy hold us up. Yes, we will slip, but God won’t allow us to fall.
The Psalmist experienced a multitude of anxieties. Things looked quite daunting. Myriads of problems troubled him. He had no peace. He had no rest, but when he laid his head on his pillow, he was comforted.
Perplexed by many difficulties, we might struggle to sleep or eat. We might overeat. The Psalmist reminded us that even in his most troublesome seasons, he was never without the Lord’s comfort.
Friend, our heavenly Father is the God of comfort, and He will comfort us as well. We can delight in His comfort.
2020 hasn’t been anyone’s favorite year. Many of us would like to take a nap until it’s over. However, we cannot allow despair to rule over us. Christ had victory over that darkness on the cross. I know things look grim, but we are the children of light and the children of promise. Walk in His light and His promises today.
Lord, I know life can’t always be sunshine. I can only get through this darkness with You. Thank You for holding me up. Thank You for Your tender comfort. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
According to the previous passage, why do we suffer tribulations? Do you recall a time when you were able to comfort someone because of something you had gone through? Look for the comfort and consolation you will receive from God during your suffering.
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Originally posted on October 9, 2020 @ 3:00 am