PROMISED HELP FROM THE LORD

Psalm 102 is “A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD.” It is impotence calling on Omnipotence. And a road-map to successful prayer— a precedent for all who identify with the psalmist:

LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don’t turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to you. For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals.

My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness.

I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink because of your anger and wrath. For you have picked me up and thrown me out. My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass.

But you, O LORD, will sit on your throne forever. Your fame will endure to every generation. You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem and now is the time to pity her, now is the time you promised to help. —New Living Translation

A lifeguard will not rescue a drowning swimmer until all self-effort has ceased. Likewise, the lifeguard of heaven waits for us to look to him alone for our help. Is your heart sick with disappointment? Are you withered like grass with no appetite, reduced to skin and bones? All of these represent the clear boundary marks of the Lord’s jurisdiction. They are qualifications of a miracle, building blocks of the broken road that he has blessed.

And travels.

He is on the way with the help he has promised you. Look to the hills from where your help comes from: your help comes from the Lord Almighty! Lift up your head, your redemption draweth nigh!