Reflecting on Psalm 119
Psalm 119: 75 – 77
“I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.”
There was a song a few years back that said “I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden. Along with the sunshine, there’s gotta be a little rain sometimes”. As much as we would like it, our lives are not rose gardens. We all experience disappointments, trials, and sometimes unbelievable pain and hopelessness. Why would a loving God let these difficult times invade our lives? Why would he allow His children to suffer loss and despair? Perhaps to get our attention? Perhaps to focus us back onto Him and his Word?
God wants us to trust in Him and know that He loves us, especially in dark times. But we sometimes forget and think God has abandoned us. We try to “fix” things, but we are doomed to fail if we believe that we are in control.
Through prayer, God gives us strength to persevere. He shows us our failings, and reminds us that we are all flawed, but we are all still Brothers and Sisters in Christ. He teaches us compassion, patience and unconditional love. He shows us that faith and giving ourselves and our troubles over to Him frees us and lifts our burdens.
What can you turn over to God today?
Written by: Joy P. Klubnik, Living Grace Lutheran Church
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