Psalm 69:13
But as for me, Lord, my prayer to you is for a time of favor. In your abundant, faithful love, God, answer me with your sure salvation.
Lately I’ve been noticing quite a bit of “flooding” around me! Flooding in the form of conflicts and struggles within marriages and families. Flooding in folks stuck in negative streams of thoughts and actions that seem overwhelming and paralyzing. Flooding through circumstances of life that have closed in around people, leaving them little “wiggle room” or escape.
So, when I opened up to Psalm 69 in my reading today, these words resonated with me. “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck…” and later in this Psalm the writer implores God, “Don’t let the floodwaters engulf me…”
Actually, verse 13 above, is plunked right in the middle of a lament. The Psalmist describes being up to his neck in water, sunk deep in mud with no footing, a flood sweeping over him, being weary of crying, enemies more numerous than the hairs of his head, insults, shame, being distanced from family, experiencing mocking, and being in pain and distress! That’s more than enough to make anyone discouraged and despairing!
I love the Psalmist recourse however in the midst of all of this lament: “My prayer is to you…” He turned to God in his desperation and pleaded for rescue. He poured out his soul, knowing God’s compassionate and faithful character. And he prayed in confidence, “The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.”
May I always remember this when I face my own “floods and opposition!” Pray, knowing he hears, and cast … pray and cast … pray and cast … and confidently look for rescue from THE Rescuer! His working is often mysterious, but his ways are perfect. In my weakness I can settle into his strength and wait and watch and marvel at his answers!
Dear Lord, Thank you that you are THE Rescuer, compassionate and faithful!
Thank you for your sustaining grace in the midst of the floods of life, for your tender and caring presence, and for your ability to save! Amen!