The Psalms are good for troubled times

Published: May 3, 2007 | 6127th good news item since 2003

Most of us have had occasions where we cried out to God, “Why?” It may be an illness, the suffering or loss of a loved one, financial problems or another issue that is difficult to endure.

Perhaps in the midst of times such as this, some do not find it helpful to have someone else tell them that they understand or empathize. But many times, it is indeed comforting to have another come alongside you and share that they also have walked through hard periods and have come through the other side.

The book of Psalms is known as a book that individuals run to in times of distress.

It encompasses such songs as community and individual laments, songs of thanksgivings, hymns and royal psalms. The most common Psalms are individual laments. Almost half of this book is filled with cries for help: “We can’t cope!”

Communal laments are natural catastrophes or military invasions. However, individual laments are different. They are individual people in trouble who are asking, “Why?” In Old Testament times, people were suffering. At times, there was no law or justice. Many people would simply fall between the cracks, no justice or help arriving. Perhaps they suffered from an illness.

These people needed laments to cry out to God of their woes. So the temple provided them. Laments were absolutely necessary in Old Testament times. And yet their purpose transcends to us today. We find comfort in knowing that others have walked where we walk.

Psalm 13 is a unique Psalm. It is one that cries out, addressing God, describing the trouble, giving a petition, speaking of trust and hope, and finally gives the psalmist identity in his prayer. David calls upon God, perhaps suffering from a physical illness. He cries out to God to be restored:

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death; my enemy will say, “I have overcome him, and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” (Psalm 13:1-6, Holy Bible, New International Version).

We have all had times where we suffered to the point of wondering where God was. Has he forgotten us? In moments such as this, we need him to show us his face, restore our fellowship with him and heal our troubles. It is in our continued prayer and trust that he will indeed answer, that his love is shown as unfailing, that we can find a measure of comfort in our trials.

Sometimes we simply have to sing and praise him in faith, not feeling; for the answer is not visible. But the time will come when we look back and testify to the goodness of the Lord. And then we can share with another at a future time the story of our suffering and answered prayer — and it will perhaps comfort them.

For God is faithful even when we can’t feel him.

This is why the Psalms are consoling to us as mere humans when we suffer. We see that others have endured and finally received their much-needed answer to prayer.

Published in Faith
See also: www.burbankleader.com