July 9, 2019
Psalm 6:2
by John and Judy Martin
Laity of Fairview UMC
Smoky Mountain District

We all have times when we pray, “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.”  (Psalm 6:2)  It might be cancer, or a fractured bone, or a broken relationship that afflicts us.  “Lord, help me, my husband doesn’t want me anymore,” or “Lord, my daughter is on drugs.   Please help her break the chains of addiction.”  Or “My son is in Afghanistan and constant danger.  Put your hedge of protection around him.”  Or, “Lord, I just found a lump and I am so scared; help me!”

There are no easy answers for so many of our questions and circumstances, but we know, just as David expressed  in this Psalm, that Jesus came to stand beside us and comfort us, no matter the circumstance.   In hope is life, and our faith gives us hope.

It is easy in times of troubles to let discouragement, depression, hopelessness take over and even feel that God has abandoned us and our enemies are enjoying our pain, as David did.  So many times we can fight Goliath and win but lose the daily battles.  But in Psalm 6 we are reminded that when we ask for God’s mercy, when we beg for the return of His favor and his forgiveness, he hears us.   It’s just that we need to remember to ask and to believe that He will answer.  He can heal the sick mind, the broken body, and defeat our enemies--as the Great Physician.

PRAYER:  Lord, we are weak and you are strong.  We sometimes fail to do what we should do,  or we do that which we should not.  Help us, Lord, to remember that you are right here with us, always,  just for the asking, and that you know our needs even before we ask.   Help us to be mindful of what you would want us to do and to do it with compassion.  In Jesus name, AMEN.