April 18, 2024

Passage Read: Psalm 71-74
Meditation Verse: 71:20

Thought

What an interesting verse! The Lord has shown him many troubles and distresses, but He will revive the psalmist again and bring him up from the depths of the grave. In one sentence, the author admits that it is the Lord who has brought many troubles into his life, yet he is also confident of the resurrection. He rejoices in God's righteousness and goodness, yet he has suffered many hard things. He does not lose heart, though he may tire of life on this earth, and he can maintain hope because he is so sure of the Lord's goodness and of his eventual resurrection. He has no hope in this life, but in the Lord and in his return to life after he departs this toilsome age.

Application

Those who delight in God's righteousness seem to find mostly trouble and grief in this life. But that doesn't mean they have no hope! They find joy in the Lord Himself, in His righteousness and goodness despite the troubles He brings into their lives. They recognize that this life is only temporary, and it's not the life we should set our hope on or for which we should live. Our energies need to be poured into serving the Lord and walking in His ways, though that brings grief and pain here and now. The Lord is worth it, and He promises another life that seems to be without pain or grief, and it is eternal. That is the life we should be living for, investing these days in making those better. It seems to require so much self-denial, so much self-discipline, so much dying to self, but the Lord in His glory, is totally worth it. So I shouldn't be surprised at the trouble and grief God brings into my life. It is hard, the things I am called to do and be, so far from what I prefer, but the Lord is good and holy and righteous, and worth every moment of death and denial and service and sacrifice. And one day I will be free to serve Him and enjoy Him without grief or pain.