SEEK DEVOTIONAL

Yesterday we read Psalm 63, where David cries out to God in the midst of the wilderness. The wilderness is defined by external conditions, spiritually or physically, coming against the believer, and David offers an honest yet faith-filled prayer, expressing his dependence on the Lord.

Then we come to Psalm 102. We do not know the author of this psalm, but this time we encounter someone not afflicted by an external wilderness, but by a wilderness that resides within his own soul. We are not told what is happening around this psalmist’s life, but inwardly he may as well be lost in the Sahara Desert. From this wearied, honest complaint in prayer, we can see that his mind is a labyrinth of depression, anguish, and confusion.

My first instinct when reading this psalm is to wish for a time machine so I could travel back, bring him a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A, and tell him everything is going to be okay. But I also thank God for this nameless soul who had the courage to express the deep, painful condition of his heart to the Lord. The vulnerable expression of prayer we read here should teach us a valuable lesson about the heart of God the Father: He is not offended by our honesty with Him.

I am not saying we should approach God in prayer with dishonor in our hearts, we must maintain the fear of the Lord (more on that another day). The invitation here is openness with God. He already knows what is going on in our minds and emotions, and He loves us.

Then one of the most miraculous moments takes place in verse 12. I personally believe the psalmist had to express the raw realities he was experiencing inwardly in the first eleven verses in order to recognize the sovereign power and mercy of Almighty God. Verses 1–11 are centered on presenting his anguished soul to God, much like replacing an old, dirty air filter in your home (and if you haven’t done that recently, here’s a friendly reminder). Only then can clean air flow properly again. Once he says what needs to be said, he is able to prophetically declare the glory of God over the world, His triumph over evil and His goodness to generations to come.

Let me make an important distinction: the psalmist directs these words to God because God can handle it. When our souls are in this state, we often retreat to other relationships or sources instead of God in an attempt to find comfort or escape. Retreating into empty things such as alcohol or pornography will only twist the knife of your condition deeper. Go to your Lord and Savior. He is strong enough to hear your cries and to begin reorienting your heart with His love and truth.

You may experience conviction when you do this, especially where you have believed lies about God or yourself. This is a good thing. It is God’s kindness at work in your heart, bringing it back to life.

If you are in this place, please hear my heart: keep showing up to God. In your brokenness, on your worst days, just keep showing up to Him, to His Word, and to godly community. Your heart, soul, and mind are precious to Jesus, and He will carry you through this.

Prayer:
Father, thank You that You hear my prayers. (Take a few moments to honestly express what you are experiencing.) I present everything to You, knowing that You are strong enough to sustain me. I remind myself that You are sovereign; enthroned forever, good, full of power, and full of mercy. Thank You that even Jesus faced anguish like no other, and because of that, I belong to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.