“Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.”
(Psalm 102:8)
In Psalm 102 the author uses a series of vivid poetic metaphors to convey the depths of affliction and sorrow he is experiencing, “my days disappear like smoke, my bones burn like red hot coals, my heart withers like grass, I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.” Distresses like these recorded in Scripture remind us that we are not alone in times of suffering. Such passages also bring comfort to God’s children across the ages, affirming that the Heavenly Father takes note of our affliction and is present with us in our suffering.
One metaphor the psalmist uses in this passage is that of smoke from a fire that soon vanishes. Similarly, our energy and enthusiasm for living can be consumed by difficulties to the point where we feel as if our days evaporate like smoke into the atmosphere. Or a prolonged experience of what is often referred to as “the dark night of the soul” can sap the strength of even the strongest saint, leaving their bones feeling as if they were “burned like coals in the fire.”
Yet another metaphor speaks to the diminishing courage of one whose heart is dismayed to the point that it withers like grass. The psalmist also describes how the basic comforts of life can lose their significance, causing one to even forget to eat. Such heaviness of sorrow is difficult to suppress, so much so that sighs and groans become a necessary outlet for the pain.
We know from Christ’s words to His disciples in John 16:33, “in this world you will have trouble.” God’s children may face reproach and even persecution and death from those who oppose their faith. For if Christ was mocked and ridiculed, will not His disciples be also?
“Affliction and sorrow serve as a reminder that suffering is a part of the disciples of Christ and their Christian experience, especially as God’s dear children.”[1] However, we can find hope and comfort… and even joy (James 1:2) in knowing that Christ our King remains sovereign, even in the midst of our trials and suffering.
Contemplations:
- Facing Reproaches and Cruelty: God’s children are often subjected to reproaches and cruelty from those who oppose our faith. This painful reality can be the source of discouragement and multiplied suffering. And yet throughout Scripture we are encouraged to be strong in the Lord, remembering that we are more than conquerors through Him (Romans 8:37).
- Perceiving God’s Anger: There are times I experience grief in my soul and I know it’s due to God’s displeasure with my choices. But when I allow my grief to lead me to a place of confession and repentance, fellowship with my Lord is restored. I am reminded that God’s mercy endures forever, and that He hears the prayers of a contrite heart.
- Contrasting Prosperity and Adversity: God’s people periodically experience intermittent seasons of blessings and prosperity from the Father, as well as times of adversity. We’re naturally drawn to times of prosperity, but I must remember that God uses adversity to draw me closer to Him. I am reminded, especially in times of difficulty, that I can trust Him implicitly for He is always in control and His plan will unfold according to His perfect timing.
- Solitude in Suffering: In moments of deep sorrow, we can feel isolated, like a sparrow alone on the housetop. Yet, even in our solitude God is with us. And He assures and reassures us of His presence all throughout Scripture (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord my God, Father of mercies and God of all comfort, I come before You as one acquainted with grief and in need of grace. You see my affliction. You know the heaviness of my spirit. When I cannot find the words, Your Spirit intercedes with groanings which cannot be uttered. I cry to You now, asking that You would strengthen me in this hour of trial.
You have said that in this world we would have trouble, and truly, Lord, the trouble feels great. My days vanish like smoke, my heart is faint, and I feel alone upon the rooftop of sorrow. But You, Father, are near. You are not absent. Your eyes are upon the righteous, and Your ears are open to their cry. So I cry unto You to help me.
I ask You, Lord, to give me sustaining grace for this season. Uphold me by Your Spirit when I am weak. Grant me patience in suffering. Teach me to not despise the rod, but to yield to Your sanctifying hand. Help me not grow bitter under trial, but to trust Your wisdom and love in it. You refine Your people as silver, so let me not be consumed but purified.
If this trial is sent to chasten, show me my sin and lead me to repentance. Let not the sorrow be wasted but cause it to bring forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness. If it is to strengthen my faith, then Lord, increase my faith. If it is to deepen my fellowship with You, then draw me near. I ask that You use this affliction for every holy purpose for which You have sent it.
Comfort me, Lord, with Your Word. Let me not forget Your promises. Remind me of Your steadfast love. Turn my heart again and again to Christ, who bore sorrow beyond my comprehension. Help me follow in His steps, trusting that He is with me, even unto the end.
Grant me the joy of knowing that You are sovereign even in the sorrow, that You are present even in the silence, that You are good even in the grief, and that You are working all things for my good and Your glory. Let that truth settle in my heart like a soothing balm.
I ask also, Lord, that You use my suffering for the benefit of others. May it not only sanctify me, but may it equip me to minister to those who are likewise afflicted. Teach me compassion, empathy, and dependance that leans wholly upon You.
Above all, Lord, glorify Yourself in my weakness. Be magnified in my low estate. Cause Your strength to be made perfect where I fail. May I say with the psalmist, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Let me not come through unchanged but transformed more into the likeness of my Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Sustainer, I pray, Amen.
Further References for Psalm 102:8:
Psalm 31:11; Isaiah 65:15; Exodus 22:28; Acts 23:12.
[1] David Dickson, A Brief Explication of the Last Fifty Psalms from Ps. 100 to the End (London: T.R. and E.M. for Tho. Johnson .., 1654), 10.
