The school of suffering has many graduates. It seems that most of the alumni provide insight into the grace and mercy of God for those willing to hear them speak and give Him glory.
King David was a graduate of this school. What he learned about suffering is revealed in the sixth Psalm. He begins by describing his pain and the fear he has of his enemies. He shares with us a list of symptoms that most of us have experienced at one time or another: emotional stress and distress, crying, sleepless nights, being attacked by others. However, when he cried out to God for help, God heard him, helped him, and healed him.
Whatever brought about the distress of David was relieved when he called on God for His mercy. Here we find a pattern for us to follow when we need God to rescue us from the consequences of our sin or the pain of sickness or suffering. First, he asked God not to abandon or punish him in his time of need. Then he asked for God’s compassion and care, admitting that he was weak, “sick at heart” and could not handle the situation by himself. He described his weeping as so intense that “my bed is wet with tears.” He was remorseful for what he had done and what God might do to punish him – if He chose. So, he cried out for God’s “unfailing love” knowing that God heard him and could then declare with confidence: “The Lord has heard my crying and my plea (and) the Lord will answer my prayer.”
God always hears and answers the prayers of anyone at any time who asks for His forgiveness and mercy. There are no limits to His love nor conditions for His grace.
Prayer: We thank You, Lord, for Your willingness to accept us as we are and grant us Your help, healing, and hope we desperately need yet could never earn. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. Psalm 6:9
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