Despair and Hope

The other day I read the following passage from Psalm 6:

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“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long?” (Psalm 6:2–3).

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As I slowly reflected on those words, they revealed emotions I had been sensing for some time. The term “languishing” jumped off the page. It’s a poetic Hebrew word that visualizes a drooping plant or someone whose head hangs low.

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The Psalmist identified that his “bones are troubled.” The expression reveals a person in panic. The Psalmist is terrified, body and soul!

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Many today are weary, weak, alarmed—even terrified. “How long will this [stress] continue?” Those two words: “How long,” are an expression of lament—a grieving and sorrow that penetrates to the bone.

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If you’re like me, you may also be asking: How long, Lord? How long will evil prevail? How long before I find relief? Our lament is our cry of despair—and HOPE.

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My lament reveals the languishing of my soul. Expressing our sorrow to God reflects our HOPE!

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We remember:

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“God keeps his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” (Deut. 7:9).

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What concerns you today? Are your bones aching? Is your soul disturbed? Is it time to care for your soul?

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One way to care for your soul is to honestly, openly, and regularly express yourself to God. Because like the Psalmist, we also remember:

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“The Lord [hears] my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment” (Psalm 6:9-10).

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Today, may you remember God’s infinite care for your whole being, and be comforted.

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-Richard Parrish

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