Trusting the LORD in Times of Trouble

Psalms 130:1–8
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The psalmist is found doing some serious praying. Someone has said that we do not know what prayer really is until we have cried out of deep sorrow or despair. He wants to be heard which is even better than answered. In fact if God answered all of our requests the way we wanted it might be more of a curse than a blessing. If we got what we deserved no one would be able to stand (v. 3). Afflictions may be compared to deep waters.

Again someone has said that in still waters the prayers come from our lips and in deep despair they come from the heart. Usually there is a period of waiting, hoping and watching. He compared his wait to that of a city’s watchman looking for the first rays of dawn, for then they would be relieved of their duties of other guards (v. 6). Waiting often makes the blessing more appreciated when it arrives.  Our hope needs to be in the promises of His Word and our watching may be like a long dark night but morning will come. The psalmist expresses his trust in God and how he is willing to wait for him (vv. 5-6). His dependence upon God is expressed by saying, “I wait for the Lord;” from him I expect relief and comfort, believing it will come, longing till it does come, but patiently bearing the delay of it, and resolving to look for it from no other hand.

Application

Do I really know how to pray? We have taught our children to pray each day about 6 “P’s”. They are to obey their Parents, to keep Priorities right, for life Partners, keep self Pure, not to have Pride, and to be a person of Prayer. Maybe your children would like to be praying for these 6 “P’s” and have them written in their Quiet Time Diary.