Distress Turns to Praise

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

Psalm 69:16-33  (The Message)


 ¹⁶ Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
       in your great mercy turn to me.
 ¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
       answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
 ¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
       redeem me because of my foes.
 ¹⁹ You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed;
       all my enemies are before you.
 ²⁰ Scorn has broken my heart
       and has left me helpless;
       I looked for sympathy, but there was none,
       for comforters, but I found none.
 ^{--------------------------------------------------------
29} I am in pain and distress;
       may your salvation, O God, protect me.
 ³⁰ I will praise God's name in song
       and glorify him with thanksgiving.
 ³¹ This will please the LORD more than an ox,
       more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.
 ³² The poor will see and be glad—
       you who seek God, may your hearts live!
 ³³ The LORD hears the needy
       and does not despise his captive people.

For Reflection: Who has sympathy for the downtrodden and persecuted?  Who will provide comfort?  All human effort seems insufficient -- temporary.  To whom do you turn when hopelessness surrounds you?

Pray that you will find Joy in our risen Lord.  Pray that you can act as a vessel for the grace of God.  Pray that others will see in you a reflection of the only path to comfort, a strong relationship with the living God.