I once visited a forest together with my primary school friends. There was a stream. There were muds. One friend lost one slipper. Another lost both. It is hard to find your slippers when you are knee deep in mud.
How can we find God when we are deep in suffering and pain? Psalm 102 is a beautiful prayer that shows us that even when we are hurting, God is there for us. He will always be there.
The psalm is a heartfelt cry from one who is overwhelmed by sorrow and affliction. The psalmist opens his heart to God, sharing his feelings of loneliness, sadness, and exhaustion. He hides nothing from God. Even in his sadness, he longs for help and hope.
“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. (Verses 1 and 2)
You can feel the desperation in his cry. He wants so much for God to be there for him when he is going through tough times. He turns to God knowing only he can bring comfort and healing. It is okay to bring our deepest struggles to God. He is there for us. He is ready to listen and help us with our troubles.
Life can be tough. God is faithful. He can help us when we are down. If you have been crying, why don’t you cry out to God? If you have been desperately looking for help, why don’t you turn to your Father in heaven?
I invite you to say this prayer.
Father, in times of distress, hear my cries. Help me to trust in your presence and faithfulness, even when I am overwhelmed. Heal my heart and remind me of your enduring love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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