June 9, 2026 - Psalms 101-105

“For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.  My heart is struck down like grass and has withered; I forget to eat my bread” (102:3-4).  The psalmist tells of excruciating pain, seemingly physical and emotional.  He is hurting so much that he cannot even eat.  I suppose (Maybe I should write, “I know.”) all of us have, at one time or another, had such moments of sadness and despair.  Interestingly, the psalmist inserts a brief statement that might cause one to pause:  “Because of your indignation and anger; for you have taken me up and thrown me down” (102:10).  I do not believe the psalmist is blaming God for his troubles; in fact, he acknowledges the justness of his situation, i.e., God has dealt with him in anger, yet rightly.  But here’s the thing, the psalmist certainly knows that his life is directed by a God of providence.  How do we put it, sometimes?  His life is hidden in the palm of God’s hand.  And therein is his hope:  “For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory; he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer” (102:16-17).  With the psalmist, I simply cannot imagine life without the joy and peace of knowing God and his care.

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;

the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;

Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see.

O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?

Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.   --Henry Francis Lyte (1847)