Consider My Affliction…

153 Consider my affliction and deliver me,

For I do not forget Your law.

154 Plead my cause and redeem me;

Revive me according to Your word.—Psalm 119:153-154

These words of God this morning through David brought much comfort to my heart.  What a great prayer to pray when in deep trial and trouble. 

I asked myself why should God consider my affliction.  Why mine?  Why David’s?  The answer I came up with is because it has nothing to do with me or with David, but everything to do with who God is. He is merciful, kind and slow to anger. He is lowly and gentle in heart. For as the heavens are high above the earth so great is His mercy toward those who trust Him. As a father pities his children so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust. 

The same God who died for us when we were still His enemies 

Who forgives all our iniquities

Who heals all our diseases

Who redeems our life from destruction

Who crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies

Who satisfies our mouth with good things

Who gives power to the weak

Who executes righteous and justice for all who are oppressed 

This is the same God to whom David asks and whom I will do likewise, to consider his affliction.  To plead his cause and redeem him and revive him according to His word. 

Father…May I never doubt Your word.  In the midst of turmoil and affliction may my soul dwell on You and who Your word tells me You are. Your word is truth. You are good and do good. You are merciful and kind. In all my afflictions, You also are afflicted. You bear my burdens with me. Nothing enters my life that has not passed through Your loving hands first. Your face looks upon mine with pity and care. Your powerful hand is always ready to help me. What a comfort for me also, Father, to have You as my advocate.

"Strive my strife, and redeem me" -- that is, stand in my stead, bear my burden, fight my fight, pay my price, and bring me out to liberty.—Alexander

My sufficiency is from You, Father.  You are the defender of the weak…the helpless commits themselves to You. Thank you that you are on my side.  What a comfort, Father, to know that You see and consider my affliction. I do not suffer alone. You are forever with me. 

16 But I will sing of Your power;

Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;

For You have been my defense

And refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;

For God is my defense,

My God of mercy.—Psalm 59:16-17

Beloved…

Draw strength from your oneness with Jesus. You are no longer alone. No longer isolated. When you sin, don’t give up. Let him pick you up and put you on your feet again with fresh dignity. He lifts your chin, looks you in the eye, and defines your existence: “you in me, and I in you” (John 14:20).—from Dane Ortlund’s book Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners.