MEDITATIONS FROM THE PSALMS

 

April 20, 2005          

Reading: Psalm 12: 1-8

 

“Help, Lord” Psalm 12:1

 

Soul of mine, how familiar these two words are to you. How often they have been on your lips. Remember those times when all other words seem inadequate and this was the cry of your desperate heart.

Remember well the automatic cry of your heart to the only One who could help in the time of your need. You had no choice for experience told you that no friend or professional could identify with your need. Your need was so great that no PhDs could assist you in your recovery. Your cry was addressed to your Lord, not to material wealth or personal relationships.

Without contemplation you did not feel the need to explain your need to your Lord. You knew that He was well acquainted with every circumstance and detail that brought you to utter this cry. There was no time to enter into any rhetoric. Your need was immediate and you required immediate help. There was only One to whom you could turn.

There was no time to name your sins and beg His forgiveness before you cried for help. The crushing weight of your need would surely destroy you unless your Lord gave immediate relief. Deep within you, you were assured that He knew all the hidden things in your heart; that you cannot keep any secrets from Him. Somehow, the cry for forgiveness was deeply embedded in your desperate cry. It was not until later that you realized He had cleansed your heart as He answered your cry.

How deep was your hurt? How unsolvable was your problem? This is known only to you and your Lord, and, all you know, is that “Out of the depths have I cried to You, O LORD” Ps 130:1.

In reflection, my soul, you can testify that your Lord is the One who hears and answers your cry: In this knowledge be confident, walk with Christ, and rejoice unceasingly. 

 

“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the LORD delivers him out of them all”   Ps 34:17-19.

 

Dear Lord, thank You for being my Lord and Savior, and for giving me the confidence that, no matter the circumstance, You will hear my cry and deliver me from the abuse of the enemy according to Your will and pleasure.