Life never seems to slow down. I am glad to have a few minutes to read a Psalm, and focus my thoughts and energy towards God's will.
Have a wonderful day,
Lili
Psalm 102
1A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD. LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea!2Don't turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down your ear and answer me quickly when I call to you,3for my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals.4My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite.5Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones.6I am like an owl in the desert, like a lonely owl in a far-off wilderness.7I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.8My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me.9I eat ashes instead of my food. My tears run down into my drink10because of your anger and wrath. For you have picked me up and thrown me out.11My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering like grass.12But you, O LORD, will rule forever. Your fame will endure to every generation.13You will arise and have mercy on Jerusalem -- and now is the time to pity her, now is the time you promised to help.14For your people love every stone in her walls and show favor even to the dust in her streets.15And the nations will tremble before the LORD. The kings of the earth will tremble before his glory.16For the LORD will rebuild Jerusalem. He will appear in his glory.17He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.18Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a nation yet to be created will praise the LORD.19Tell them the LORD looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked to the earth from heaven20to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die.21And so the LORD's fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem,22when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the LORD.23He has cut me down in midlife, shortening my days.24But I cried to him, "My God, who lives forever, don't take my life while I am still so young!25In ages past you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.26Even they will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment, and they will fade away.27But you are always the same; your years never end.28The children of your people will live in security. Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Chapter Contents
A sorrowful complaint of great afflictions. (1-11) Encouragement by expecting the performances of God's promises to his church. (12-22) The unchangeableness of God. (23-28)
Commentary on Psalm 102:1-11
The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but here, is often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has put words into our mouths. Here is a prayer put into the hands of the afflicted; let them present it to God. Even good men may be almost overwhelmed with afflictions. It is our duty and interest to pray; and it is comfort to an afflicted spirit to unburden itself, by a humble representation of its griefs. We must say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away. The psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are like a shadow.
Commentary on Psalm 102:12-22
We are dying creatures, but God is an everlasting God, the protector of his church; we may be confident that it will not be neglected. When we consider our own vileness, our darkness and deadness, and the manifold defects in our prayers, we have cause to fear that they will not be received in heaven; but we are here assured of the contrary, for we have an Advocate with the Father, and are under grace, not under the law. Redemption is the subject of praise in the Christian church; and that great work is described by the temporal deliverance and restoration of Israel. Look down upon us, Lord Jesus; and bring us into the glorious liberty of thy children, that we may bless and praise thy name.
Commentary on Psalm 102:23-28
Bodily distempers soon weaken our strength, then what can we expect but that our months should be cut off in the midst; and what should we do but provide accordingly? We must own God's hand in it; and must reconcile this to his love, for often those that have used their strength well, have it weakened; and those who, as we think, can very ill be spared, have their days shortened. It is very comfortable, in reference to all the changes and dangers of the church, to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And in reference to the death of our bodies, and the removal of friends, to remember that God is an everlasting God. Do not let us overlook the assurance this psalm contains of a happy end to all the believer's trials. Though all things are changing, dying, perishing, like a vesture folding up and hastening to decay, yet Jesus lives, and thus all is secure, for he hath said, Because I live ye shall live also."
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