Psalm 31:9-16
9Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye wastes away from grief,
my soul and body also.
10For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my misery,
and my bones waste away.
11I am the scorn of all my adversaries,
a horror to my neighbors,
an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
12I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
13For I hear the whispering of many —
terror all around! —
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.
14But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
15My times are in your hand;
deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your steadfast love.
“… 9Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; …”
The psalmist seems to sum up what many are feeling today. The uncertainty of the future, economic stress, job insecurity, family issues, and a general sense of hopelessness abound in various sectors of our society. It’s not just the political scene or the inflationary problems, our whole world appears on the brink of disaster. For many, the times are perilous.
That is why the psalmist doesn’t stop by stating the obvious concern but turns quickly to the source of hope and light. “Be gracious to me,” is to the cry to the Lord Most High. In obvious distress, the author calls upon God to provide help and deliverance. It’s not the cry of complete desperation, as some see it. Rather, it is the plea from someone who knows that the Lord is more than willing and able to help. It is the cry of hope and promise.
The psalmist recognizes the times are in the hands of the Lord, and that the Lord has promised life and light for all God’s people. Knowing that, the author rests in the sure and certain hope of God’s care, comfort, and consolation. No matter what is causing distress, consternation, or confusion, God’s hand is still at work in the live of those who call upon the Lord. Because of God’s grace, hope abounds even in the most perilous of times.
Prayer: Be gracious to us, O Lord, for we are in distress. Let Your face shine upon Your servants. Save us with Your steadfast love. Amen.