Simply living life in this imperfect world in which we reside takes its toll on each one of us. There are bumps and bruises, not to mention the occasional body blow, that wear us down; that eat away at our wellbeing; that feel broken beyond repair.
Now, for many, that's not the whole story – thank God for that. But there are times when the grind of life (whatever that looks like for you) grinds away at you way more than it should. There are times that have each one us wondering … What's this all about? What comes next?
Centuries, millennia ago, the Israelites found themselves wandering in a dry desert looking for a place to live, but they couldn't find anywhere. They were hungry and thirsty and growing weak, the psalmist tells us.
Whilst you've doubtless found yourself lost in the occasional dry desert, metaphorically speaking, I'm pretty sure that it's never happened to you literally. But just imagine what that would be like.
Barren, lifeless, hot dry sand as far as the eye can see. No hope of escape. Your body, your soul, your spirit damaged beyond repair. Death knocking at your door. But the psalmist goes on to tell us …
Psalm 107:19-20 They were in trouble, so they called to the LORD for help, and he saved them from their troubles. He gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from the grave.
As 19th Century Scottish pastor and author Oswald Chambers once wrote, "Solitude with God repairs the damage done by the fret, noise and clamour of the world."
When you're lost, when you're hurting, when you're broken beyond repair … pray. He gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from the grave.
That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.