“A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord.” – Psalm 102’s Heading
It’s so precious that the Bible shows us how to do what this psalm does. Sometimes we’re afflicted and overwhelmed. In those times, it is good to pour out our hearts before the Lord. Because He cares for us. Because He loves us. Because He is near to us and comforts us in our affliction.
However, there are good ways and bad ways to pour out the complaints of our hearts. The psalmist teaches us how to do it well. He is completely honest with God, desperate for Him to hear and answer his cries. He pours out his suffering and sorrow with clarity. But he also remembers and acknowledges Who God is. After pouring out his heart, the psalmist still speaks with high regard for the Almighty God of the universe. God’s standing in the universe isn’t based on what He’s done for us lately. Our respect and honor for Him mustn’t be based on that either.
Though the psalmist is very clear and direct in describing his suffering, his praise of God – attributing to God His worth based on His unchanging attributes – gets most of the ink. After voicing his complaint, there are far more verses devoted to exploring Who God is than were devoted to pouring out his grievances. This is the way to pray amidst affliction.
When you’re feeling low, have you learned to pour out your complaints honestly, yet faithfully, to God? Do you honor Him and praise Him for Who He is amidst suffering and sorrow? If you can learn to do these things, you’ll find yourself drawing even closer to God than ever before, even amidst of affliction! #FollowJesus