Friday, December 02, 2011

So Deeply Discouraged (Ps. 42:6b-7)

I am deeply discouraged
as I think about you
from where the Jordan begins
at Mount Hermon
and from Mount Mizar.
Your vicious waves
have swept over me
like an angry ocean
or a roaring waterfall.

(Psalm 42:6b-7, CEV)

So far, Psalm 42 has been more encouraging than not. Today, however, there’s a distinct change with today’s verses.

And that’s one of the things I love most about God’s word. Its many authors have no problem expressing the darker side of life.

I’ve felt deeply discouraged, just as the psalmist wrote. Deeply discouraged. During the darkest days when the pain is unrelenting, I’ve wondered why God keeps me here on earth. I don’t see any purpose for my pain.

I’ve felt the waves crash over me just like an angry ocean. I remember once at the beach—I must have been nine or ten—and I was caught under a wave. I honestly had a moment of great fear as I lost complete control. I wondered if I’d make it. It was momentary, but I still remember that feeling of complete helplessness.

And when I’m in the deepest valley, I’ve felt that same helplessness.

Today’s verse seem to offer no hope. The only hope I find is that I can cry out. Just as the psalmist did.

And maybe God will listen.

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