Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lent: Even In Sorrow, God Is Transforming Our Lives

Psalm 6


Mrs. Shanthi Sam,
C.S.I. Congregation of Hudson Valley, NY

“I am weary with my groaning: All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.”

Sorrow is part of the human experience. But even in the darkest of times, God is teaching us a lesson.

In Psalm 6, David, as a Psalmist, expresses sorrow over sin and demonstrates a renewed commitment to remain close to God. David accepted God’s punishment, but he is begging God not to discipline him in anger. David realized that if God treated him with justice alone and not with mercy, he would be wiped out by God’s wrath.
Jeremiah comes to God with the same sentiment. In Jeremiah 10:24, we read, “O Lord, correct me, but with justice; not in Your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.” Here Jeremiah also asked God to correct him gently and not in anger.

This is a familiar situation for many of us. Often, we want God to be merciful and compassionate when it comes to our own sins. At the same time, we want God to judge everyone else with justice. But God’s justice is right and His love is boundless. He forgives us instead of giving us -- and every other human being -- what we deserve.
By the end of Psalm 6, David is consumed with sorrow. In Psalm 6:6, David writes, “I am weary with my groaning: All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears.” David’s sorrow is private, just like Peter’s sorrow was, after the apostle betrayed Jesus.

As we enter this Lent season, let us learn from the way David grieved. Let us understand that though we walk through valleys of sorrow, God will always lead us to green pastures. Let us humble ourselves, pour out our hearts with tears, and with a broken and a contrite spirit be honest with God. May God help us to turn our attention to Him and His mercy.

PRAYER

May God heal us, save us, speak to us, and make us whole during this Lent season. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
It is an unspeakable privilege that we have a God to go to in our afflictions, and it is our duty to go to Him. 

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